Overlay applicator, applicator machine, and cradle, and method of providing and using the same

ABSTRACT

An overlay applicator can include an overlay with a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side can include an adhesive agent configured to adhere to a screen of an electronic device. The overlay applicator can include an adhesive release liner. The adhesive release liner can include a top side and a bottom side. The top side of the adhesive release liner can be removably attached to the bottom side of the overlay. The adhesive release liner can be configured to protect the adhesive agent at the bottom side of the overlay from contaminants. The overlay applicator can include a protective film removably attached to the top side of the overlay. The overlay applicator can include an alignment tab. The alignment tab can include an alignment mechanism. The overlay applicator further can include a pull tab. The pull can include a wiper. Other embodiments are provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/455,700, filed Aug. 8, 2014, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/863,895, filed Aug. 8, 2013; U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/871,864, filed Aug. 29, 2013; and U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/890,271, filed Oct. 13, 2013. Thisapplication also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/890,271, filed Oct. 13, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/919,433, filed Dec. 20, 2013. U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/455,770 and U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61/863,895, 61/871,864,61/890,271, and 61/919,433 are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to overlays, and relates moreparticularly to overlay applicators and related machines and cradles forapplying overlays to electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablet computing devices, mediaplayers, etc., have gained widespread popularity. These devicesgenerally have screens, and many of these devices have touchscreens,such as capacitive touchscreens. To protect these screens, manymanufacturers now produce clear film overlays, which can be applied tothe screens to keep the screens clear and protect against damage, suchas accidental scratching. Many of these films include a self-wettingadhesive to adhere to the screens of the electronic devices. Oftentimes,application of an overlay to the screen of a device results inmisalignment of the overlay on the device, air bubbles between theoverlay and the screen of the device, and/or dirt (such as dust,fingerprints, oil, and/or other particulates) between the overlay andthe screen of the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the followingdrawings are provided in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded isometric view of an overlay applicator,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a system for using the overlayapplicator of FIG. 1 to apply an overlay to a device with a frame,according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of a system for using the overlayapplicator of FIG. 1 to apply an overlay to a device with a cradle,according to another embodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded isometric view of an overlay applicator,according to another embodiment;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the overlay applicator of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of an overlay applicator, accordingto another embodiment;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded isometric view of an overlay applicator,according to another embodiment;

FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of a machine for using an overlayapplicator to apply an overlay to a device, according to anotherembodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of the machine of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of the machine of FIG. 8, with ahandle assembly not extended, and showing an outline of the overlayapplicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 illustrates an isometric view of the machine of FIG. 8, with thehandle assembly partially extended;

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of the machine of FIG. 8, with the handleassembly partially extended;

FIG. 13 illustrates an isometric view of the machine of FIG. 8, with thehandle assembly fully extended;

FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the machine of FIG. 8, with the handleassembly fully extended;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded isometric view of an overlay applicator,according to another embodiment;

FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view of an machine in a firstconfiguration, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of the machine of FIG. 16 in a secondconfiguration;

FIG. 18 illustrates a side view of the machine of FIG. 16 in a secondconfiguration;

FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of the machine of FIG. 16 in a thirdconfiguration;

FIG. 20 illustrates an isometric view of a machine for using an overlayapplicator to apply an overlay to a device, showing an overlay coverextended, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 21 illustrates an isometric view of the machine of FIG. 20 with theoverlay cover engaged and the roller pressing against a tongue of theoverlay cover;

FIG. 22 illustrates an isometric view of the machine of FIG. 20 with theoverlay cover engaged and the roller disengaged from the overlay cover;

FIG. 23 illustrates a flow chart for a method of providing an overlayapplicator, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 24 illustrates a flow chart for a method of providing a machine,according to another embodiment;

FIG. 25 illustrates a flow chart for a method of providing a machine,according to another embodiment;

FIG. 26 illustrates a flow chart for a method of using an overlayapplicator to apply an overlay to a screen of an electronic device,according to another embodiment;

FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of components of an overlayapplicator, according to the embodiment of FIG. 30;

FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of components of the overlayapplicator of FIG. 30;

FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of components of the overlayapplicator of FIG. 30;

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective view of an overlay applicator,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of a cradle, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 32 illustrates a top view of the cradle of FIG. 31 being used withan overlay applicator;

FIG. 33 illustrates a side view of the cradle of FIG. 31 being used withan overlay applicator;

FIG. 34 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the cradle of FIG.31 being use with an overlay applicator;

FIG. 35 illustrates a perspective view of a machine, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 36 illustrates a perspective view of the machine of FIG. 36 with aslider being used to apply pressure to an overlay;

FIG. 37 illustrates a system for using an overlay applicator to apply anoverlay to a device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 38 illustrates a top side view of a cradle, according to theembodiment of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 illustrates a top side view of a cradle frame, according to theembodiment of FIG. 37;

FIG. 40 illustrates a bottom side view of the cradle frame of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 illustrates a left side view of a machine in an openconfiguration, according to the embodiment of FIG. 37;

FIG. 42 illustrates the system of FIG. 37 with the device placed in thecradle;

FIG. 43 illustrates the system of FIG. 37 with the cradle placed in themachine;

FIG. 44 illustrates the system of FIG. 37 with the machine in a closedconfiguration;

FIG. 45 illustrates the system of FIG. 37 with the machine in an openconfiguration;

FIG. 46 illustrates a perspective view of a machine in a closedconfiguration, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 47 illustrates a perspective view of the machine of FIG. 46 in anopen configuration;

FIG. 48 illustrates a perspective view of the machine of FIG. 46 in anopen configuration with a device in the cradle and an overlay applicatorabove the device on the cradle;

FIG. 49 illustrates a perspective view of the machine of FIG. 46 in aclosed configuration with the pull tab of the overlay applicator beingpulled;

FIG. 50 illustrates a perspective view of the machine of FIG. 46 in anopen configuration with portions of the overlay applicator remaining onthe device;

FIG. 51 illustrates a flow chart for a method of providing an overlayapplicator, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 52 illustrates a flow chart for a method of providing a cradle,according to another embodiment;

FIG. 53 illustrates a flow chart for a method of providing a machine,according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 54 illustrates a flow chart for a method of providing a machine,according to another embodiment.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figuresillustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions anddetails of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure. Additionally, elementsin the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example,the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggeratedrelative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodimentsof the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in differentfigures denote the same elements.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in thedescription and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishingbetween similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particularsequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the termsso used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such thatthe embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operationin sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variationsthereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that aprocess, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises alist of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but mayinclude other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process,method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,”“under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, areused for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describingpermanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms soused are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that theembodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacturedescribed herein are, for example, capable of operation in otherorientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the likeshould be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or moreelements mechanically and/or otherwise. Two or more electrical elementsmay be electrically coupled together, but not be mechanically orotherwise coupled together. Coupling may be for any length of time,e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. “Electricalcoupling” and the like should be broadly understood and includeelectrical coupling of all types. The absence of the word “removably,”“removable,” and the like near the word “coupled,” and the like does notmean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable.“Mechanical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood andinclude mechanical coupling of all types.

The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near theword “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. inquestion is or is not removable.

As defined herein, two or more elements are “integral” if they arecomprised of the same piece of material. As defined herein, two or moreelements are “non-integral” if each is comprised of a different piece ofmaterial.

As defined herein, “approximately” can, in some embodiments, mean withinplus or minus ten percent of the stated value. In other embodiments,“approximately” can mean within plus or minus five percent of the statedvalue. In further embodiments, “approximately” can mean within plus orminus three percent of the stated value. In yet other embodiments,“approximately” can mean within plus or minus one percent of the statedvalue.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES OF EMBODIMENTS

Various embodiments include an overlay applicator. The overlayapplicator can include an overlay. The overlay can include a top sideand a bottom side. The bottom side can include an adhesive agentconfigured to adhere to a screen of an electronic device. The overlayapplicator also can include an adhesive release liner. The adhesiverelease liner can include a top side and a bottom side. The top side ofthe adhesive release liner can be removably attached to the bottom sideof the overlay. The adhesive release liner can be configured to protectthe adhesive agent at the bottom side of the overlay from contaminants.The overlay applicator further can include a protective film removablyattached to the top side of the overlay. The overlay applicator also caninclude an alignment tab. The alignment tab can include an alignmentmechanism. The overlay applicator further can include a pull tab. Thepull can include a wiper. The pull tab, including the wiper, and theadhesive release liner can be configured such that the pull tab can befolded across the bottom side of the adhesive release liner and can bepulled to remove the adhesive release liner from the bottom side of theoverlay to expose the adhesive agent. The pull tab, including the wiper,and the adhesive release liner can be configured such that, when thepull tab is pulled, the wiper can be configured to wipe across and cleanthe screen of the electronic device.

A number of embodiments can include a method of providing an overlayapplicator. The method can include providing an overlay. The overlay caninclude a top side and a bottom side. The bottom side can include anadhesive agent configured to adhere to a screen of an electronic device.The method also can include providing an adhesive release liner. Theadhesive release liner can include a top side and a bottom side. The topside of the adhesive release liner can be removably attached to thebottom side of the overlay. The adhesive release liner can be configuredto protect the adhesive agent at the bottom side of the overlay fromcontaminants. The method further can include providing a protective filmremovably attached to the top side of the overlay. The method also caninclude providing an alignment tab. The alignment tab can include analignment mechanism. The method further can include providing a pulltab. The pull tab can include a wiper. The pull tab, including thewiper, and the adhesive release liner can be configured such that thepull tab can be folded across the bottom side of the adhesive releaseliner and can be pulled to remove the adhesive release liner from thebottom side of the overlay to expose the adhesive agent. The pull tab,including the wiper, and the adhesive release liner can be configuredsuch that, when the pull tab is pulled, the wiper can be configured towipe across and clean the screen of the electronic device.

Some embodiments include a machine. The machine can include a base. Themachine also can include a carriage. The carriage can include a firstcradle configured to securely hold a first electronic device. Thecarriage also can include an alignment base configured to engage with analignment mechanism of an overlay applicator. The machine further caninclude a handle assembly. The handle assemble can include a handle anda pulling mechanism configured to engage with a pull tab of the overlayapplicator. The machine can be configured such that the handle assemblycan be pulled in a first direction relative to the base from a firsthandle position to a second handle position. The machine can beconfigured such that when the handle assembly is moved from the firsthandle position to the second handle position, the carriage can move ina second direction relative to the base from a first carriage positionto a second carriage position. The second direction can be opposite thefirst direction. The machine can be configured such that when (a) thealignment base is engaged with the alignment mechanism of the overlayapplicator, (b) the pulling mechanism is engaged with the pull tab ofthe overlay applicator, (c) the first cradle is holding the firstelectronic device, and (d) the handle assembly is pulled in the firstdirection relative to the base from the first handle position to thesecond handle position, an adhesive release liner of the overlayapplicator can be removed from an overlay of the overlay applicatorstarting at a leading edge of the overlay and continuing to a trailingedge of the overlay to expose an adhesive agent of the overlay to ascreen of the first electronic device.

Many embodiments include a method of providing a machine. The method caninclude providing a base. The method also can include providing acarriage. The carriage can include a first cradle configured to securelyhold a first electronic device. The carriage also can include analignment base configured to engage with an alignment mechanism of anoverlay applicator. The method further can include providing a handleassembly. The handle assembly can include a handle and a pullingmechanism configured to engage with a pull tab of the overlayapplicator. The machine can be configured such that the handle assemblycan be pulled in a first direction relative to the base from a firsthandle position to a second handle position. The machine can beconfigured such that when the handle assembly is moved from the firsthandle position to the second handle position, the carriage can move ina second direction relative to the base from a first carriage positionto a second carriage position. The second direction can be opposite thefirst direction. The machine can be configured such that when (a) thealignment base is engaged with the alignment mechanism of the overlayapplicator, (b) the pulling mechanism is engaged with the pull tab ofthe overlay applicator, (c) the first cradle is holding the firstelectronic device, and (d) the handle assembly is pulled in the firstdirection relative to the base from the first handle position to thesecond handle position, an adhesive release liner of the overlayapplicator can be removed from an overlay of the overlay applicatorstarting at a leading edge of the overlay and continuing to a trailingedge of the overlay to expose an adhesive agent of the overlay of theoverlay applicator to a screen of the first electronic device.

Several embodiments include a machine. The machine can include a base.The machine also can include a cradle configured to securely hold afirst electronic device. The machine further can include an alignmentpiece hingedly attached to the base. The alignment piece can include analignment base configured to engage with an alignment mechanism of anoverlay applicator. The machine also can include a pulling piecehingedly attached to the base. The pulling piece can include a pullingmechanism configured to engage with a pull tab of the overlayapplicator. The machine can be configured such that the pulling piececan be rotated relative to the base in a first direction from a firstpulling piece position to a second pulling piece position. The firstpulling piece position can be proximate to the cradle. The machine canbe configured such that the alignment piece can be rotated relative tothe base in the first direction from a first alignment piece position toa second alignment piece position. The second alignment piece positioncan be proximate to the cradle. The machine can be configured such thatwhen (a) the alignment base is engaged with the alignment mechanism ofthe overlay applicator, (b) the pulling mechanism is engaged with thepull tab of the overlay applicator, (c) the cradle is holding the firstelectronic device, and (d) the pulling piece is rotated relative to thebase in the first direction from the first pulling piece position to thesecond pulling piece position, the alignment piece can be rotatedrelative to the base in the first direction from the first alignmentpiece position to the second alignment piece position, and an adhesiverelease liner of the overlay applicator can be removed from an overlayof the overlay applicator to expose an adhesive agent of an overlay to ascreen of the first electronic device.

Further embodiments include a method of providing a machine. The methodcan include providing a base. The method also can include providing acradle configured to securely hold a first electronic device. The methodfurther can include providing an alignment piece hingedly attached tothe base. The alignment piece can include an alignment base configuredto engage with an alignment mechanism of an overlay applicator. Themethod also can include providing a pulling piece hingedly attached tothe base. The pulling piece can include a pulling mechanism configuredto engage with a pull tab of the overlay applicator. The machine can beconfigured such that the pulling piece can be rotated relative to thebase in a first direction from a first pulling piece position to asecond pulling piece position. The first pulling piece position can beproximate to the cradle. The machine can be configured such that thealignment piece can be rotated relative to the base in the firstdirection from a first alignment piece position to a second alignmentpiece position. The second alignment piece position can be proximate tothe cradle. The machine can be configured such that when (a) thealignment base is engaged with the alignment mechanism of the overlayapplicator, (b) the pulling mechanism is engaged with the pull tab ofthe overlay applicator, (c) the cradle is holding the first electronicdevice, and (d) the pulling piece is rotated relative to the base in thefirst direction from the first pulling piece position to the secondpulling piece position, the alignment piece can be rotated relative tothe base in the first direction from the first alignment piece positionto the second alignment piece position to pull the pull tab of theoverlay applicator, and an adhesive release liner of the overlayapplicator can be removed from an overlay of the overlay applicator toexpose an adhesive agent of an overlay to a screen of the firstelectronic device.

Yet further embodiments include a method of using an overlay applicatorto apply an overlay to a screen of an electronic device. The method caninclude attaching the overlay applicator to a first apparatus securelyholding the electronic device. The overlay applicator can include anoverlay. The overlay can include a top side and a bottom side. Thebottom side can include an adhesive agent configured to adhere to thescreen of the electronic device. The overlay applicator also can includean adhesive release liner. The adhesive release liner can include a topside and a bottom side. The top side of the adhesive release liner canbe removably attached to the bottom side of the overlay. The adhesiverelease liner can be configured to protect the adhesive agent at thebottom side of the overlay from contaminants. The overlay applicatorfurther can include protective film removably attached to the top sideof the overlay. The overlay applicator also can include an alignmenttab. The alignment tab can include an alignment mechanism configured toengage with an alignment base of the first apparatus. The overlayapplicator further can include a pull tab. The pull can include a wiper.The method also can include pulling the pull tab across the bottom sideof the adhesive release liner to remove the adhesive release liner fromthe bottom side of the overlay to expose the adhesive agent to thescreen of the electronic device.

Still further embodiments include a method of providing an overlayapplicator. The method can include providing an adhesive release linerincluding a top side and a bottom side. The method also can includeproviding a pull tab including a top side and a bottom side. The methodfurther can include attaching a wiper to the top side of the pull tab.The method additionally can include providing an overlay layer includinga top side and a bottom side. The bottom side can include an adhesiveagent configured to adhere to a screen of an electronic device. Themethod further can include attaching the bottom side of the overlaylayer to the top side of the adhesive release liner. The methodadditionally can include providing a protective film layer including atop side and a bottom side. The method further can include attaching thebottom side of the protective film layer to the top side of the overlaylayer. The method additionally can include cutting the protective filmlayer and the overlay layer to create an interface slit between analignment tab and a device portion, and to create a tail slit between atail portion and the device portion. The method further can includeattaching a sticker to the top side of the protective film. The stickercan span the interface slit between the device portion and the alignmenttab. The device portion of the overlay layer can be configured to adhereto a screen of an electronic device. The device portion can havedimensions approximately the same as dimensions of the screen of theelectronic device.

Additional embodiments include a cradle. The cradle can include a base.The cradle also can include an alignment base configured to engage withan alignment mechanism of an overlay applicator. The cradle further caninclude one or more frame pieces configured to securely hold anelectronic device in a device slot in a fixed position with respect tothe alignment base. The base, the alignment base, and the one or moreframe pieces can be configured to hold the overlay applicator betweenthe base and a screen of the electronic device when the screen of theelectronic device is facing toward the base; and facilitate applying anoverlay of the overlay applicator to the screen of the electronicdevice.

Further embodiments include a method of providing a cradle. The methodcan include providing a base. The method also can include providing analignment base configured to engage with an alignment mechanism of anoverlay applicator. The method further can include providing one or moreframe pieces configured to securely hold an electronic device in adevice slot in a fixed position with respect to the alignment base. Thebase, the alignment base, and the one or more frame pieces can beconfigured to hold the overlay applicator between the base and a screenof the electronic device when the screen of the electronic device isfacing toward the base; and facilitate applying an overlay of theoverlay applicator to the screen of the electronic device.

Still further embodiments include a machine. The machine can include abase. The base can include a first end and a second end. The base alsocan include an alignment base configured to engage with an alignmentmechanism of an overlay applicator. The overlay applicator can include afirst alignment tab and a second alignment tab. The first alignment tabcan include a first portion of the alignment mechanism. The secondalignment tab can include a second portion of the alignment mechanism.The alignment base can include a first side proximate the first end ofthe base. The first side can be configured to engage with the firstportion of the alignment mechanism of the overlay applicator. Thealignment base also can include a second side proximate the second endof the base. The second side can be configured to engage with the secondportion of the alignment mechanism of the overlay applicator. The basefurther can include a pull slot. The machine further can include acradle located between the first side of the alignment base and thesecond side of the alignment base. The cradle can be configured tosecurely hold an electronic device. The machine additionally can includea slider configured to move between the first and second ends of thebase. The slider can include a bar. The bar can be configured to pressan overlay of the overlay applicator toward a screen of the electronicdevice when the slider is moved between the first and second ends of thebase.

Yet further embodiments can include a method of providing a machine. Themethod can include providing a base. The base can include a first endand a second end. The base also can include an alignment base configuredto engage with an alignment mechanism of an overlay applicator. Theoverlay applicator can include a first alignment tab and a secondalignment tab. The first alignment tab can include a first portion ofthe alignment mechanism. The second alignment tab can include a secondportion of the alignment mechanism. The alignment base can include afirst side proximate the first end of the base. The first side can beconfigured to engage with the first portion of the alignment mechanismof the overlay applicator. The alignment base also can include a secondside proximate the second end of the base. The second side can beconfigured to engage with the second portion of the alignment mechanismof the overlay applicator. The base further can include a pull slot. Themethod further can include providing a cradle located between the firstside of the alignment base and the second side of the alignment base.The cradle can be configured to securely hold an electronic device. Themethod additionally can include providing a slider configured to movebetween the first and second ends of the base. The slider can include abar. The bar can be configured to press an overlay of the overlayapplicator toward a screen of the electronic device when the slider ismoved between the first and second ends of the base.

Additional embodiments can include a machine. The machine can include abase. The machine also can include a cradle configured to securely holdan electronic device. The cradle can include an alignment baseconfigured to engage with an alignment mechanism of an overlayapplicator. The machine further can include an arm. The arm can includean expandable bladder and a pumping mechanism configured to inflate theexpandable bladder. The arm can be configured to be hingedly rotatedbetween an open configuration and a closed configuration. The machinecan be configured such that when the arm is in the closed configurationand the expandable bladder is inflated, the expandable bladder can pressan overlay of the overlay applicator toward a screen of the electronicdevice to adhere an adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of theelectronic device.

Further embodiments can include a method of providing a machine. Themethod can include providing a base. The method also can includeproviding a cradle configured to securely hold an electronic device. Thecradle can include an alignment base configured to engage with analignment mechanism of an overlay applicator. The method further caninclude providing an arm. The arm can include an expandable bladder anda pumping mechanism configured to inflate the expandable bladder. Thearm can be configured to be hingedly rotated between an openconfiguration and a closed configuration. The machine can be configuredsuch that when the arm is in the closed configuration and the expandablebladder is inflated, the expandable bladder can press an overlay of theoverlay applicator toward a screen of the electronic device to adhere anadhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic device.

Embodiments of an overlay applicator can be configured to facilitateapplication of an overlay on the screen of a device. In someembodiments, the overlay applicator can be configured to facilitateremoving dust from the screen of the device immediately beforeapplication. In certain embodiments, the overlay applicator canfacilitate keeping dust and fingerprints from coming into contact withadhesive on the overlay. In various embodiments, the overlay applicatorcan be configured to facilitate alignment of the overlay with the screenof the device during application.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an exploded view showingvarious elements of an overlay applicator 100. Overlay applicator 100 ismerely exemplary and embodiments of the overlay applicator are notlimited to embodiments presented herein. The overlay applicator can beemployed in many different embodiments or examples not specificallydepicted or described herein. In a number of embodiments, overlayapplicator 100 can include an alignment tab 110, a protective film 120,an overlay 130, an adhesive release liner 140, and/or a pull tab 150.Overlay 130 can be a protective film for protecting the screen of anelectronic device, such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer, or a smartphone, such as an iPhone, developed and sold by Apple, Inc., ofCupertino, Calif., among other devices. Overlay 130 can be made ofpolyethylene terephthalate (PET) or another suitable material. Overlay130 can have dimensions such that it partially or fully covers thescreen of the electronic device. In some embodiments, overlay 130 canhave one or more holes, slots, or apertures. For example, overlay 130can include a speaker slot 133, which can allow sound from a speaker onthe device to pass through overlay 130. Overlay 130 can include a buttonslot 134, which can allow a user to push a button on the face of thedevice without touching, stretching, or otherwise affecting overlay 130.Overlay 130 can include a top side 131 and a bottom side 132. In someembodiments, top side 131 can include a hard coating. In certainembodiments, top side 131 can include an optical coating. In manyembodiments, bottom side 132 can include an adhesive agent to adhereoverlay 130 to the screen of the device.

In a number of embodiments, protective film 120 can be attached to topside 131 of overlay 130. In many embodiments, protective film 120 canhave dimensions substantially similar to the dimensions of overlay 130.Protective film 120 can have a first side 129 and a second side 128.Protective film 120 can provide protection for the hard coating oroptical coating on overlay 130 during installation of overlay 130 on thedevice. In some embodiments, protective film 120 can be a thick flexiblefilm and can have a thickness of approximately 0.1 to approximately 0.4millimeters (mm), for example. In many embodiments, protective film 120does not stretch or distort, which can advantageously facilitatealignment of overlay 130 on the device. In a number of embodiments,protective film 120 can be made of a suitable plastic or paper, oranother suitable material. Protective film 120 can be configured suchthat it can be peeled away from top side 131 of overlay 130. In certainembodiments, protective film 120 can include one of more holes, slots,or apertures. For example, protective film 120 can include a speakerslot 123 and a button slot 124, which can be aligned with speaker slot133 and button slot 134 when protective film 120 is attached to overlay130.

In some embodiments, protective film 120 can include an adhesive region121, which can be adhered to alignment tab 110 at an adhesive region112. In many embodiments, protective film 120 can be removably attachedto top side 131 of overlay 130. In certain embodiments, adhesive region121 of protective film 120 can be adhered to adhesive region 112 ofalignment tab 110 using an adhesive agent. In some embodiments,protective film 120 can be attached to alignment tab 110 using asuitable fastening mechanism, such as one or more rivets or hook andloop tape, as examples. When alignment tab 110 is attached to protectivefilm 120, alignment tab 110 can extend beyond protective film 120, insome embodiments, such that a portion of alignment tab 110 is notadhered to or touching protective film 120. In some embodiments,alignment tab 110 can include an alignment mechanism 115 at the portionof alignment tab 110 that is not adhered to or touching protective film120. Alignment mechanism 115 can facilitate aligning alignment tab 110,protective film 120, and overlay 130 with various features of the deviceduring application of overlay 130. Alignment mechanism 115 can be one ormore holes, slots, or other suitable alignment aid features. In someembodiments, alignment tab 110 does not stretch or distort, which canhelp facilitate accurate alignment of overlay 130 on the device.Alignment tab 110 can be made of plastic or cardboard, and can bethicker than protective film 120. In certain embodiments, protectivefilm 120 and at least at portion of alignment tab 110 can be integral,or in other words, made of the same piece of material. In suchembodiments, protective film 120 can be made of a thicker material, suchas alignment tab 110, so as to provide sufficient structural support foralignment mechanism 115.

In a number of embodiments, adhesive release liner 140 can be attachedto bottom side 132 of overlay 130. In many embodiments, adhesive releaseliner 140 can have dimensions substantially similar to the dimensions ofoverlay 130. Adhesive release liner 140 can have a first side 149 and asecond side 148. By being attached to bottom side 132 of overlay 130,adhesive release liner 140 can keep the adhesive agent on bottom side132 covered and protected until the overlay 130 is ready to be adheredto the screen of the device. In many embodiments, a top side of adhesiverelease liner 140 can be removably attached to bottom side 132 ofoverlay 130, and/or can be configured to protect the adhesive agent onbottom side 132 of overlay 130 from contaminants. In some embodiments,adhesive release liner 140 can be a thin flexible film and can have athickness of approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 0.25 mm. In certainembodiments, adhesive release liner 140 can be made of a material thatcan stretch and/or distort. In certain other embodiments, adhesiverelease liner 140 can be made of a material that does not stretch ordistort. In a number of embodiments, adhesive release liner 140 can bemade of a suitable thin plastic film or paper, or another suitablematerial. Adhesive release liner 140 can be configured such that it canbe peeled away from bottom side 132 of overlay 130. In certainembodiments, adhesive release liner 140 can include one of more holes,slots, or apertures. For example, adhesive release liner 140 can includea speaker slot 143 and a button slot 144, which can be aligned withspeaker slot 133 and button slot 134 when adhesive release liner 140 isattached to overlay 130.

In some embodiments, pull tab 150 can facilitate removal of adhesiverelease liner 140. Pull tab 150 can include a first side 159 and asecond side 158. In some embodiments, adhesive release liner 140 caninclude an adhesive region 142 at second side 148, which can be adheredto pull tab 150 at an adhesive region 151 at first side 159. In certainembodiments, adhesive region 142 of adhesive release liner 140 can beadhered to adhesive region 151 of pull tab 150 using an adhesive agent.In other embodiments, adhesive release liner 140 can be attached to pulltab 150 using another suitable fastening mechanism, such as rivets orhook and loop tape. When pull tab 150 is attached to adhesive releaseliner 140, alignment tab 110 can extend beyond adhesive release liner140, such that a portion of pull tab 150 is not adhered to or touchingadhesive release liner 140. In a number of embodiments, pull tab 150 canhave a dimension such that a distance from first side 159 to second side158 of pull tab 150 is longer than a dimension from first side 149 tosecond side 148 of adhesive release liner 140. In many embodiments, whenpull tab 150 is attached to adhesive release liner 140, pull tab 150 canbe folded back near first side 159 and can extend across the length ofand beyond first side 149 of adhesive release liner 140. In a number ofembodiments, pull tab 150 can be folded across the bottom side ofadhesive release liner 140 and pulled to remove adhesive release liner140 from bottom side 132 of overlay 130 to expose the adhesive agent.Pull tab 150 can be made of a flexible plastic or paper, or anothersuitable material. In certain embodiments, adhesive release liner 140and pull tab 150 can be integral. In such embodiments, adhesive releaseliner 140 can be made of a thicker material, pull tab 150, so as toprovide sufficient structural support for pulling on adhesive releaseliner 140.

In some embodiments, pull tab 150 can include a pulling aid 156. Pullingaid 156 can facilitate pulling pull tab 150, and can be or include oneor more holes, slots, grooves, ridges, channels, etc. For example,pulling aid 156 can be two holes in which a user can place two fingersto assist in pulling pull tab 150 or in which an applicator machine caninsert tabs to engage with pull tab 150. Pulling aid 156 can also assista user in differentiating the ends of pull tab 150 and in knowing whichend to pull when installing overlay 130 on the device.

In many embodiments, overlay applicator 100 and/or pull tab 150 caninclude a wiper 157. Wiper 157 can remove dust from the screen of thedevice and can facilitate application of overlay 130 to the screen ofthe device without dust between overlay 130 and the screen. In a numberof embodiments, wiper 157 can be adhered to a top side of pull tab 150.Wiper 157 can be made of microfiber cloth, soft silicone, an extrudedrubber profile wiper blade, and/or other suitable materials. In variousembodiments, wiper 157 can be a solid block, a row of fins, or ofanother suitable form for cleaning the screen of the device. In manyembodiments, wiper 157 can be configured such that when pull tab 150 ispulled, wiper 157 can wipe across and clean the screen of the device, asdescribed below in further detail. In a number of embodiments, the wipercan be configured to wipe across a length of the screen of the device.In some embodiments, the length of the screen of the device can begreater than a width of the screen of the device.

In many embodiments, overlay applicator 100 can be manufactured suchthat protective film 120, overlay 130, and adhesive release liner 140are each attached and are coterminous with each other. For example,protective film 120, overlay 130, and adhesive release liner 140 can beattached and then cut, such that the sides and other features ofprotective film 120, overlay 130, and adhesive release liner 140 arealigned. Alignment tab 110 can then be adhered to protective film 120,and pull tab 150 can be adhered to adhesive release liner 140. Incertain embodiments, as described above, protective film 120 and atleast a portion of alignment tab 110 can be integral. For example,adhesive release liner 140 can be adhered to overlay 130 and overlay canbe adhered to protective film 120, and overlay 130 and adhesive releaseliner 140 can be cut to size without cutting protective film 120.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 2 illustrates a system 200 for usingoverlay applicator 100 to apply overlay 130 to a device. System 200 ismerely exemplary and embodiments of the system are not limited toembodiments presented herein. The system can be employed in manydifferent embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or describedherein. System 200 can include overlay applicator 100, a frame 210, anda device 220 (e.g., a smart phone). Frame 210 can include a hole 211 inwhich device 220 can be placed with the screen of device 220 facingupwards. In some embodiments, hole 211 is conformal with device 220. Inother embodiments, hole 211 can have dimensions large enough that it canfit around a several different electronic devices. Frame 210 can have aheight substantially similar to the height of device 220. In manyembodiments, frame 210 can include an alignment base 212, which canengage with alignment mechanism 115. In some embodiments, alignment base212 can be one or more protrusions that can fit inside the one or moreslots of alignment mechanism 115. Alignment base 212 and alignmentmechanism 115 can be configured and positioned such that when alignmentmechanism 115 is engaged with alignment base 212, overlay 130 can bepositioned directly above the screen of the device, and aligned suchthat overlay 130 will be adhered in an accurate position on the screenwhen adhesive release liner 140 is removed.

In some embodiments, overlay applicator 100 can be used to apply overlay130 to device 220 in frame 210. Pull tab 150 can be folded such thatsecond side 158 of pull tab 150 is pulled under adhesive release liner140 from second side 148 to first side 149, as shown in FIG. 2. Overlayapplicator 100 can be placed on frame 210 such that alignment mechanism115 engages with alignment base 212. Frame 210 can be placed over device220 with the screen of device 220 facing up. In many embodiments, byplacing frame 210 over device 200, wiper 157 can come in contact withthe screen of device 220. While holding frame 210, a user can pull onpull tab 150, e.g., by using pulling aid 156, such that wiper 157 ispulled across the screen of device 220, which can remove dust or otherparticles from the screen of device 220. In a number of embodiments, aspull tab 150 is pulled, adhesive release liner 140 is removed frombottom side 132 (FIG. 1) of overlay 130, and overlay 130 adheres to thescreen of device 220 in an accurately aligned position. After overlay130 is adhered to the screen of device 220, the user can smooth overlay130 on device 220 to remove any bubbles between overlay 130 and thescreen of device 220. Protective film 120 can be removed from overlay130. In some embodiments, protective film can be removed by liftingand/or pulling alignment tab 110. In many embodiments, protective film120 is removed after smoothing out any bubbles, so that protective film120 can prevent damage to overlay 130 from forceful pushing or rubbinginvolved in smoothing the bubbles. For example, optical coated overlayscan be damaged by objects, such as credit cards, being used to smoothout bubbles. Device 220 can be removed from frame 210 with overlay 130installed.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 3 illustrates a system 300 for usingoverlay applicator 100 to apply overlay 130 to a device. System 300 ismerely exemplary and embodiments of the system are not limited toembodiments presented herein. The system can be employed in manydifferent embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or describedherein. System 300 can include overlay applicator 100, a cradle 310, anda device 320 (e.g., a smart phone). Cradle 310 can include a slot 311 inwhich device 320 can be placed with screen facing upwards. In someembodiments, slot 311 is conformal with device 320. In otherembodiments, slot 311 can have dimensions large enough that severaldifferent electronic devices can fit within it. Slot 311 can have sidesand a bottom, and cradle 310 can have a height greater than the heightof device 320. In many embodiments, cradle 310 can include an alignmentbase 312, which can engage with alignment mechanism 115. In someembodiments, alignment base 312 can be one or more protrusions that canfit inside the one or more slots of alignment mechanism 115. Alignmentbase 312 and alignment mechanism 115 can be configured and positionedsuch that when alignment mechanism 115 is engaged with alignment base312, overlay 130 can be positioned directly above the screen of thedevice, and aligned such that overlay 130 will be adhered in an accurateposition on the screen when adhesive release liner 140 is removed.

In some embodiments, overlay applicator 100 can be used to apply overlay130 to device 320 in cradle 310. Pull tab 150 can be folded such thatsecond side 158 of pull tab 150 is pulled under adhesive release liner140 from second side 148 to first side 149, as shown in FIG. 3. Device320 can be placed in cradle 310, with the screen of device 320 facingup. Overlay applicator 100 can be placed on cradle 310 such thatalignment mechanism 115 engages with alignment base 312. In manyembodiments, by placing overlay applicator 110 on cradle 210, wiper 157can come in contact with the screen of device 320. While holding cradle310, a user can pull on pull tab 150, e.g., by using pulling aid 156,such that wiper 157 is pulled across the screen of device 320, which canremove dust or other particles from the screen of device 320. In anumber of embodiments, as pull tab 150 is pulled, adhesive release liner140 is removed from bottom side 132 (FIG. 1) of overlay 130, and overlay130 adheres to the screen of device 320 in an accurately alignedposition. After overlay 130 is adhered to the screen of device 320, theuser can smooth overlay 130 on device 320 to remove any bubbles betweenoverlay 130 and the screen of device 320. Protective film 120 can beremoved from overlay 130. In some embodiments, protective film 120 canbe removed by lifting and/or pulling alignment tab 110. In manyembodiments, protective film 120 is removed after smoothing out anybubbles, so that protective film 120 can prevent damage to overlay 130from forceful pushing or rubbing involved in smoothing the bubbles, asexplained above. Device 320 can be removed from cradle 310 with overlay130 installed.

In yet other embodiments, overlay applicator 100 can be used with amachine, such as the machine shown in FIGS. 8-14 and 16-20, anddescribed below, which can semi-automatically align overlay applicator100 with a device and engage with pull tab 150 and/or alignment tab 110to install overlay 130 on the device.

Advantageously, overlay applicator 100 can be used to install overlay130 without dust or particles between overlay 130 and the screen of thedevice. Frame 210 (FIG. 2) or frame 310 (FIG. 3) can be used withoverlay applicator 100 to accurately position overlay 130 relative tofeatures of the device. Advantageously, by wiping the screen of thedevice immediately before applying overlay 130, overlay applicator 100can clean any dust or particles on the screen. Beneficially, by removingadhesive release liner 140 immediately before applying overlay 130minimizes exposure of the adhesive agent on bottom side 132, which canprevent dust or other particles from coming in contact with the adhesiveagent. As another advantage, by using pull tab 150 to remove adhesiverelease liner 140 and/or by holding overlay 130 in position by usingalignment tab 110, a user does not need to hold the sides of overlay130, which can prevent the user from inadvertent contact with theadhesive agent on bottom side 132 of overlay 130.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view ofan overlay applicator 400. FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of overlayapplicator 400. Overlay applicator 400 is merely exemplary andembodiments of the overlay applicator are not limited to embodimentspresented herein. The overlay applicator can be employed in manydifferent embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or describedherein. Overlay applicator 400 can be similar to overlay applicator 100(FIG. 1), and various components and/or constructions of overlayapplicator 400 can be substantially identical or similar to variouscomponents of overlay applicator 100 (FIG. 1). Overlay applicator 400can include a protective film 420, an overlay 430, an adhesive releaseliner 440, and/or a pull tab 450. Protective film 420 can be similar toprotective film 120 (FIG. 1), overlay 430 can be similar to overlay 130(FIG. 1), adhesive release liner 440 can be similar to adhesive releaseliner 140 (FIG. 1), and/or pull tab 450 can be similar to pull tab 150(FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, overlay applicator can include a speaker slot 423and/or a button slot 424. Speaker slot 423 and/or button slot 424 canextend through protective film 420, overlay 430, and adhesive releaseliner 440. In a number of embodiments, overlay applicator 400 caninclude a device portion 470 and an alignment tab 410. Alignment tab 410can be similar to alignment tab 110 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments,device portion 470 and alignment tab 410 can be made of the layers usedfor protective film 420, overlay 430, and adhesive release liner 440.Alignment tab 410 can include alignment mechanism 415. Alignmentmechanism 415 can be one or more holes, slots, or other suitablealignment aid features, which can facilitate aligning alignment tab 410,protective film 420, overlay 430, and adhesive release liner 440 withvarious features of the device during application of overlay 430.

In many embodiments, construction of overlay applicator 400 can includeadhering and/or attaching layers of material for protective film 420,overlay 430, and adhesive release liner 440. After attaching the layers,protective film 420, overlay 430, and adhesive release liner 440 can becut to predetermined dimensions of device portion 470 and alignment tab410. In some embodiments, the cutting of device portion 470 andalignment tab 410 to size can include cutting speaker slot 423, buttonslot 424, and/or alignment mechanism 415. As a result of the cut, deviceportion 470 and alignment tab 410 can be adjoined and integral on allthree layers of protective film 420, overlay 430, and adhesive releaseliner 440, and can extend from first side 429 to second side 428.Construction of overlay applicator 400 also can include a die cutbetween alignment tab 410 and device portion 470 to create an interfaceslit 460. The die cut can be a kiss cut through adhesive release liner440 and overlay 430, but not protective film 420. In a number ofembodiments, alignment tab 410 can include a top layer that is integralwith the protective film, a middle layer attached to the top layer,and/or a bottom layer attached to the middle layer. In some embodiments,overlay applicator 400 can include a cut between the middle layer ofalignment tab 410 and overlay 530, and a cut between the bottom layer ofalignment tab 410 and adhesive release liner 440. As a result of thekiss cut, the dimensions of device portion 470 at overlay 430 andadhesive release liner 440 can be equal to the dimensions of the screenof the device. The process of cutting the layers (protective film 420,overlay 430, and adhesive release liner 440) to size, cutting alignmentmechanism 415, and other feature slots (e.g., speaker slot 423 andbutton slot 424), and kiss cutting to create interface slit 460 canadvantageously provide a simpler method of constructing overlayapplicator 400, and/or can provide overlay applicator 400 with a veryaccurate alignment of alignment mechanism 415 with respect to overlay430 and its features.

In a number of embodiments, after kiss cutting alignment tab 410 anddevice portion 470 to size, pull tab 450 can be attached to adhesiverelease liner 440. Pull tab 450 can be substantially similar oridentical to pull tab 150 (FIG. 1), and various components orconstructions of pull tab 450 can be the same as various components ofpull tab 150 (FIG. 1). Pull tab 450 can facilitate removal of adhesiverelease liner 440. Construction of overlay applicator 400 can includeadhering pull tab 450 to adhesive release liner 440. Pull tab caninclude a first side 459 and a second side 458. Pull tab 450 can includean adhesive region 451 at or near first side 459. Adhesive release liner440 can include an adhesive region 442 at device portion 470 next tointerface slit 460. Adhesive region 451 can be adhered to adhesiveregion 442 to attach pull tab 450 to adhesive release liner 440. Pulltab 450 can include a wiper 457, which can remove dust from the screenof the device, and can be similar to wiper 157 (FIG. 1). Pull tab 450can include a pulling aid 156 at or near second side 458, which canassist a user and/or an applicator machine in engaging with and pullingpull tab 450, as describe above in connection with pull tab 150 (FIG.1). After pull tab 450 is attached to adhesive release liner 440, a userand/or machine can pull on pull tab 450 to peel back and remove adhesiverelease liner 440 starting at interface slit 460 and peeling back tofirst side 429.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view ofan overlay applicator 600. Overlay applicator 600 is merely exemplaryand embodiments of the overlay applicator are not limited to embodimentspresented herein. The overlay applicator can be employed in manydifferent embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or describedherein. Overlay applicator 600 can be similar to overlay applicator 100(FIG. 1) and/or overlay applicator 400 (FIGS. 4-5), and variouscomponents and/or constructions of overlay applicator 600 can besubstantially identical or similar to various components of overlayapplicator 100 (FIG. 1) and/or overlay applicator 400 (FIGS. 4-5).Overlay applicator 600 can include a protective film 620, an overlay630, an adhesive release liner 640, and/or a pull tab 650. Protectivefilm 620 can be similar to protective film 120 (FIG. 1) and/orprotective film 420 (FIGS. 4-5), overlay 630 can be similar to overlay130 (FIG. 1) and/or overlay 430 (FIGS. 4-5), adhesive release liner 640can be similar to adhesive release liner 140 (FIG. 1) and/or adhesiverelease liner 440 (FIGS. 4-5), and/or pull tab 650 can be similar topull tab 150 (FIG. 1) and/or pull tab 450 (FIGS. 4-5).

In a number of embodiments, overlay applicator 600 can include a deviceportion 670 and an alignment tab 610. Alignment tab 610 can be similarto alignment tab 110 (FIG. 1) and/or alignment tab 410 (FIG. 4). Deviceportion 670 can be similar to device portion 470 (FIGS. 4-5). In someembodiments, device portion 670 and alignment tab 610 can be made of thelayers used for protective film 620, overlay 630, and adhesive releaseliner 640. Alignment tab 610 can include an alignment mechanism 615,which can be similar to alignment mechanism 115 (FIG. 1) and/oralignment mechanism 415 (FIGS. 4-5), and which can facilitate aligningalignment tab 610, protective film 620, overlay 630, and adhesiverelease liner 640 with various features of the device during applicationof overlay 630. Pull tab 650 can be integral with release liner 640 andcan be a single layer of material, such as plastic, paper, or anothersuitable liner film. Pull tab 450 can facilitate removal of adhesiverelease liner 440.

In many embodiments, construction of overlay applicator 600 can includeadhering and/or attaching layers of material for protective film 620,overlay 630, and adhesive release liner 640. After attaching the layers,protective film 620 and overlay 630 can be kiss cut to predetermineddimensions of device portion 670 and alignment tab 610, without cuttingadhesive release liner 640 and/or pull tab 650. Excess material from thelayers for protective film 620 and overlay 630 can be removed. In someembodiments, the kiss cutting of device portion 670 and alignment tab610 to size at the layers of protective film 620 and overlay 630 caninclude cutting a speaker slot 623, a button slot 624, and/or alignmentmechanism 615. The kiss cutting can also include cutting an interfaceslit 660 between alignment tab 610 and device portion 670 through thelayers of protective film 620 and overlay 630, but not adhesive releaseliner 640. As a result of the kiss cut, the dimensions of device portion670 at overlay 630 and protective film 620 can be equal to thedimensions of the screen of the device. In many embodiments, alignmenttab 610 can include a top layer and a bottom layer attached to the toplayer, and overlay applicator 600 can include a cut between the toplayer of alignment tab 610 and protective film 620, and a cut betweenthe bottom layer of the alignment tab and overlay 630.

In a number of embodiments, after kiss cutting alignment tab 610 anddevice portion 670 to size at the layers of protective film 620 andoverlay 630, and cutting interface slit 660, construction of overlayapplicator 600 can include adhering a joining sticker 680 on the top thelayer of protective film 620 to span interface slit 660 and join deviceportion 670 of protective film 620 with the top layer of alignment tab610. Joining sticker 680 can help maintain alignment between alignmenttab 610 and device portion 670. In many embodiments, joining sticker 680does not stretch or distort, which can advantageously facilitatealignment of alignment mechanism 615 with overlay 630, such that overlay630 can be accurately positioned on the screen of the device.

In a number of embodiments, after kiss cutting alignment tab 610 anddevice portion 670 to size, a wiper 657 can be attached to pull tab 650.Wiper 657 can remove dust from the screen of the device, and can besimilar to wiper 157 (FIG. 1) and/or wiper 457 (FIGS. 4-5). In certainembodiments, after joining sticker 680 has been attached betweenalignment tab 610 and device portion 670, pull tab 650 can be foldedback, such that a second side 658 is folded beneath release liner 640 toa first side 659. Pull tab 650 and release liner 640 can be peeled backoff of a portion of alignment tab 610, such that alignment mechanism 615is uncovered by release liner 640, allowing alignment mechanism toengage with an alignment base, such as alignment base 212 (FIG. 2) oralignment base 312 (FIG. 3). The process of kiss cutting the layers atprotective film 620 and overlay 630 can advantageously provide a simplermethod of constructing overlay applicator 600, and/or can provideoverlay applicator 600 with a very accurate alignment of alignmentmechanism 615 with respect to overlay 630 and its features.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded isometricview of an overlay applicator 700. Overlay applicator 700 is merelyexemplary and embodiments of the overlay applicator are not limited toembodiments presented herein. The overlay applicator can be employed inmany different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted ordescribed herein. Overlay applicator 700 can be similar to overlayapplicator 100 (FIG. 1), overlay applicator 400 (FIGS. 4-5), and/oroverlay applicator 600 (FIG. 6), and various components and/orconstructions of overlay applicator 700 can be substantially identicalor similar to various components of overlay applicator 100 (FIG. 1),overlay applicator 400 (FIGS. 4-5), and/or overlay applicator 600 (FIG.6). Overlay applicator 700 can include a protective film 720, an overlay730, an adhesive release liner 740, and/or a pull tab 750. Protectivefilm 720 can be similar to protective film 120 (FIG. 1), protective film420 (FIGS. 4-5), and/or protective film 620 (FIG. 6); overlay 730 can besimilar to overlay 130 (FIG. 1), overlay 430 (FIGS. 4-5), and/or overlay630 (FIG. 6); adhesive release liner 740 can be similar to adhesiverelease liner 140 (FIG. 1), adhesive release liner 440 (FIGS. 4-5),and/or adhesive release liner 640 (FIG. 6); and/or pull tab 750 can besimilar to pull tab 150 (FIG. 1), pull tab 450 (FIGS. 4-5), and/or pulltab 650 (FIG. 6).

In many embodiments, protective film 720 can include an alignment frame710 extending around each side of overlay 730. Alignment frame 710 canbe similar to alignment tab 110 (FIGS. 1-3), alignment tab 410 (FIGS.4-5), and/or alignment tab 610 (FIG. 6). In many embodiments, alignmentframe 710 can be integral with protective film 720. Alignment frame 710can include an alignment mechanism 715. In some embodiments, alignmentmechanism 715 can include multiple holes surrounding overlay 730. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 7, alignment mechanism 715 can include sixholes spaced relatively evenly around alignment frame 710, surroundingoverlay 730. In other embodiments, alignment mechanism 715 can includemore or fewer holes than six. Alignment mechanism 715 can engage with analignment base (e.g., similar to alignment base 212 (FIG. 2), and/oralignment base 312 (FIG. 3)). For example, overlay 700 can be used on acradle, similar to cradle 310, which has alignment base pins configuredto engage with alignment mechanism 715. Alignment frame 710 can providealignment at multiple points around the overlay and the device, whichcan advantageously provide accurate alignment and help reducedistortion.

In some embodiments, construction of overlay applicator 700 can includeadhering and/or attaching layers of material for protective film 720 andoverlay 730. After attaching the layers of material for protective film720 and overlay 730, constructing overlay applicator 700 can includecutting the layers for protective film 720 and overlay 730 to theappropriate dimensions of protective film 720. Such cutting can includecutting a button hole 724 and/or a speaker hole 723. Construction ofoverlay applicator 700 also can include kiss cutting through the layerof material for overlay 730 to cut overlay 730 to its appropriatedimension, i.e., to the size of the screen of the device. In manyembodiments, the kiss cut through the layer of material for overlay 730does not extend into protective film 720.

In a number of embodiments, after kiss cutting overlay 730, overlay 700can be constructed by adhering adhesive release liner 740 and pull tab750 to overlay 730. Pull tab 750 can be integral with release liner 740and can be a single layer of material, such as plastic, paper, oranother suitable liner film. Pull tab 750 can facilitate removal ofadhesive release liner 740. Pull tab 750 can include a pulling aid 756,which can be a tab that allows a user and/or machine to pull on pull tab750 and peel back adhesive release liner 740 from overlay 730. Pull tab750 also can include a wiper 757. Wiper 757 can remove dust from thescreen of the device, and can be similar to wiper 157 (FIG. 1), wiper457 (FIG. 4-5), and/or wiper 657 (FIG. 6).

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of amachine 800 for using an overlay applicator to apply an overlay to adevice. FIG. 9 illustrates a top view of machine 800. FIG. 10illustrates an isometric view of machine 800, with a handle assembly notextended, and showing an outline of overlay applicator 100. FIG. 11illustrates an isometric view of machine 800 with the handle assemblypartially extended. FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of machine 800 withthe handle assembly partially extended. FIG. 13 illustrates an isometricview of machine 800 with the handle assembly fully extended. FIG. 14illustrates a top view of machine 800 with the handle assembly fullyextended. Machine 800 is merely exemplary and embodiments of the machineare not limited to embodiments presented herein. The machine can beemployed in many different embodiments or examples not specificallydepicted or described herein. Machine 800 can be used with overlayapplicator 100 to apply overlay 130 (not shown) to the device. Machine800 also can be used with other overlay applicators (e.g., overlayapplicator 400 (FIGS. 4-5), or overlay applicator 600 (FIG. 6)). In manyembodiments, machine 800 can include a base 810, a carriage 830, and ahandle assembly 850. In some embodiments, base 810 can extend from afirst side 819 to a second side 818. Base 810 can include a gear 911(FIGS. 9 and 12-14), a carriage rail 913 (FIGS. 9 and 11-14), and ahandle rail 915 (FIGS. 9 and 12-14). Carriage rail 913 and handle rail915 can extend partially or fully across base 810 in the direction fromfirst side 819 to second side 818.

In certain embodiments, handle assembly 850 can include a handle slidingmechanism 851, which can engage with handle rail 915 to attach handleassembly 850 to base 810 and to allow handle assembly 850 to slide backand forth along base 810 along the direction of handle rail 915. Inseveral embodiments, handle assembly 850 can include a handle extender852 and a handle base 854. In some embodiments, handle extender 852 canextend parallel to handle rail 915 and handle base 854 can besubstantially perpendicular to handle extender 852. Handle extender 852can include handle gear teeth 853, which can engage with gear 911 ofbase 810. Handle base 854 can include a handle 855, which a user can useto pull handle assembly 850 and extend handle assembly 850 with respectto base 810. In several embodiments, handle base 854 can include apulling mechanism 856. In certain embodiments, pulling mechanism 856 canbe one or more knobs or pins, which can engage with pulling aid 156 ofpull tab 150 on overlay applicator 100, as shown in FIG. 9.

In some embodiments, carriage 830 can include a carriage slidingmechanism (not shown), which can engage with carriage rail 913 to attachcarriage 830 to base 810 and to allow carriage 830 to slide back andforth along base 810 along the direction of carriage rail 913. In manyembodiments, carriage 830 can include carriage gear teeth 1139 (FIGS.11-14), which can engage with gear 911 of base 810. In a number ofembodiments, carriage 830 can include one or more carriage slots 831and/or a cradle 832. In some embodiments, cradle 832 can include one ormore cradle tabs 833 that can engage in carriage slots 831 to holdcradle 832 in position. In some embodiments, carriage 830 can be usedwith multiple different sizes of cradles, which can be used fordifferent devices. Carriage slots 831 and cradle tabs 833 canadvantageously allow carriage 830 to removably hold cradle 832, whichcan allow machine 800 to be used to apply overlays to multiple differenttypes of devices. For example, carriage 830 can be configured to holdone or more additional cradles that are different than cradle 832. Theone or more additional cradles can be configured to securely hold one ormore devices having different dimensions than the device that fits incradle 832. In some embodiments, cradle 832 can be integral withcarriage 830. Cradle 832 can include a recess 834 in which a device canbe placed with screen facing upwards. Recess 834 can have sides and abottom, and cradle 832 can have a height greater than the height of thedevice. In many embodiments, recess 834 is conformal with the device.

In some embodiments, cradle 832 can include an alignment base 835, whichcan engage with alignment mechanism 115, as shown in FIG. 10. In thesame or other embodiments, carriage 830 can include alignment base 835.In some embodiments, alignment base 835 can be one or more protrusionsthat can fit inside the one or more slots of alignment mechanism 115.Alignment base can be configured to engage with alignment mechanism 115.Alignment base 835 and alignment mechanism 115 can be configured andpositioned such that when alignment mechanism 115 is engaged withalignment base 835, overlay 130 (FIG. 1) can be positioned directlyabove the screen of the device, and aligned such that overlay 130(FIG. 1) will be adhered in an accurate position on the screen whenadhesive release liner 140 (FIG. 1) is removed.

In many embodiments, cradle 832 can include an overlay cover 836. Insome embodiments, overlay cover 836 can partially cover overlayapplicator 100 and can hold overlay applicator 100 to cradle 832. Asshown in FIGS. 8-9, overlay cover 836 can cover alignment mechanism 115and hold overlay applicator 100 to alignment base 835 when alignmentmechanism 115 is engaged with alignment base 835. In variousembodiments, overlay cover 836 can be removably attached to carriage 830and/or cradle 832. In other embodiments, overlay cover 836 can behingedly attached to carriage 830 and/or cradle 832. In someembodiments, overlay cover 836 can snap onto cradle 832 and/or alignmentbase 835. In other embodiments, overlay cover 836 can be attached tocradle 832 through a spring hinge, which can allow overlay cover 836 tobe removably placed over overlay applicator 100 and to hold overlayapplicator 100 close to cradle 832, and/or to retain alignment mechanism115 on alignment base 835. In some embodiments, overlay cover 836 canhave a trapezoidal shape or curved shape, so as to allow one or morerollers (described below) to roll over overlay cover 836.

In many embodiments, the device can be placed in cradle 832, with thescreen of the device facing up. Overlay applicator 100 can be placed oncradle 832, as described above, and as shown in FIG. 9, such thatalignment mechanism 115 engages with alignment base 835. Overlay cover836 can be placed over overlay applicator 100.

In many embodiments, when handle assembly 850 is not extended, as shownin FIGS. 8-10, carriage 830 can be located at a first side 819 of base810. As a user pulls handle assembly 855 and extends handle assembly 855with respect to base 810, as shown in FIGS. 11-14, handle gear teeth 853move toward first side 819, which can result in gear 911 rotatingclockwise, and can further result in carriage gear teeth 1139 andcarriage 830 moving toward second side 818. As handle assembly 850 movesaway from carriage 830, pulling mechanism 856 can pull on pull tab 150,which can pull wiper 157 across the screen of the device and remove dustor other particles from the screen of the device, and which can peelaway adhesive release liner 140 (FIG. 1) to expose the adhesive agent onbottom side 132 (FIG. 1) to the screen of the device. In manyembodiments, handle assembly 850 can be pulled in a direction fromsecond side 818 to first side 819. For example, handle assembly 850 canbe pulled from a first handle position, such as shown in FIGS. 8-10, toa second handle position, such as shown in FIGS. 13-14. In severalembodiments, when handle assembly 850 is moved from the first handleposition, such as shown in FIGS. 8-10, to the second handle position,such as shown in FIGS. 13-14, carriage 830 can move in a seconddirection from first side 819 to second side 818, which is opposite fromthe first direction of movement by handle assembly 850. For example,carriage 830 can move from a first carriage position, such as shown inFIGS. 8-10, to a second carriage position, such as shown in FIGS. 13-14.In a number of embodiments, machine 800 can be configured such that whenalignment base 835 is engaged with alignment mechanism 115, pullingmechanism 856 is engaged with pull tab 150, cradle 832 is holding thedevice, and handle assembly 850 is pulled in the first direction fromthe first handle position to the second handle position, adhesiverelease liner 140 (FIG. 1) of overlay applicator 100 can be removed fromoverlay 130 (FIG. 1) starting at a leading edge of overlay 130 (FIG. 1)(e.g., proximate to alignment mechanism 115) and continuing to atrailing edge of overlay 130 (FIG. 1) to expose the adhesive agent ofoverlay 130 (FIG. 1) to the screen of the device.

In a number of embodiments, base 810 can include a roller assembly 820.In some embodiments, roller assembly 820 can include roller assemblysupports 823, a first roller assembly 821, and/or a second rollerassembly 822. Roller assembly supports 823 can be attached to base 810and extend upward to provide support for first roller assembly 821and/or second roller assembly 822. Roller assembly supports 823 can beconfigured such that carriage 830 can slide back and forth betweenroller assembly supports 823 and under first roller assembly 821 and/orsecond roller assembly 822. First roller assembly 821 can be attached toroller assembly supports 823 at axle 824. First roller assembly 821 caninclude a first roller axle 925 (FIGS. 9 and 12), which can have a firstroller surface (not shown) with a width at least equal to the width ofthe device. In some embodiments, axle 824 can be spring-loaded toprovide downward pressure for first roller axle 925 as it rolls overoverlay applicator 100.

Second roller assembly 822 can be attached to first roller assembly 821at axle 826. Second roller assembly 822 can include a second roller axle827, which can have a second roller surface 828. The width of secondroller surface 828 can be less than the width of the device. In someembodiments, axle 826 can be spring-loaded to provide downward pressurefor second roller axle 827 as is rolls over overlay applicator 100. Thewidth of second roller surface 828 can be less than the width of thefirst roller surface (not shown). In many embodiments, roller assembly820 can include one or more rollers, such as first roller axle 925and/or second roller axle 827. In some embodiments, the width of thesecond roller surface 828 can be half the width of the device, andsecond roller surface 828 can be centered over the device as carriage830 moves through roller assembly 820 from first side 819 to second side818. As carriage 830 moves from first side 819 to second side 818, andas release liner 140 (FIG. 1) is removed, second roller surface 828 canroll along the middle of the top surface of protective film 120 (FIG. 1)to adhere overlay 130 (FIG. 1) to the screen of the device. Secondroller surface 828 can roll along over the top surface of protectivefilm 120 before first roller surface (not shown) rolls over the topsurface of protective film 120 (FIG. 1) when carriage 830 moves from afirst carriage position, such as shown in FIGS. 8-10, to a secondcarriage position, such as shown in FIGS. 13-14. In some embodiments,when carriage 830 moves from the first carriage position to the secondcarriage position, the first roller surface (not shown) and secondroller surface 828 can roll over and press downward on overlayapplicator 100 to adhere the exposed adhesive agent of overlay 130(FIG. 1) to the screen of the device. In various embodiments, whencarriage 830 moves from the first carriage position to the secondcarriage position, one or more of the rollers, such as the first rollersurface (not shown) and/or second roller surface 828 can roll fully overa length of the screen of the device. By rolling over protective film120 (FIG. 1) with second roller surface 828 before rolling overprotective film 120 (FIG. 1) (having the wider first roller surface (notshown)), roller assembly 820 can advantageously apply overlay 130(FIG. 1) to the screen of the device with fewer air bubbles, as airbubbles in the middle can be initially pushed outward by second rollersurface 828.

In many embodiments, as a user pulls handle 855 and pull tab 150 ispulled, adhesive release liner 140 (FIG. 1) is peeled back from bottomside 132 (FIG. 1) of overlay 130 (FIG. 1) at the same rate as cradle 832rolls through roller assembly 820, which can advantageously adhereoverlay 130 (FIG. 1) to the screen of the device very shortly after itis exposed from the peeling of adhesive release liner 140 (FIG. 1),which can keep dust from adhering to overlay 130 (FIG. 1). In manyembodiments, carriage 830 can move away from handle 855 at twice therate that carriage 830 moves through roller assembly 820, which canadvantageously allow pull tab 150 and adhesive release liner 140(FIG. 1) to be fully peeled from off of overlay 130 (FIG. 1).

After overlay 130 (FIG. 1) is adhered to the screen of the device, theuser can smooth overlay 130 (FIG. 1) on the device to remove bubbles, ifthere are any, between overlay 130 (FIG. 1) and the screen of thedevice. Protective film 120 (FIG. 1) can be removed from overlay 130(FIG. 1). In some embodiments, protective film 120 (FIG. 1) can beremoved by lifting and/or pulling alignment tab 110. In manyembodiments, protective film 120 (FIG. 1) is removed after smoothing outany bubbles, so that protective film 120 (FIG. 1) can prevent damage tooverlay 130 (FIG. 1) from forceful pushing or rubbing involved insmoothing the bubbles, as explained above. The device can be removedfrom cradle 832 with overlay 130 (FIG. 1) installed.

In some embodiments, overlay cover 836 can have a dimension such that itcan fully cover protective cover 120 (FIG. 1). Overlay cover 836 canhold overlay applicator 100 close and/or securely to alignment base 835and/or the device, such that, as handle 855 is extended, as pullingmechanism 856 pulls pulling aid 156, and as wiper 157 is pulled acrossthe device, wiper 157 is held close to the device to remove any dust orother particles from the device. In some embodiments, overlay cover 836can be a slightly flexible material that is rigid enough to hold overlayapplicator 100 close to the device, but is flexible enough to allowsecond roller surface 828 and/or first roller surface (not shown) toprovide local downward pressure through overlay cover 836 to adhereoverlay 130 (FIG. 1) to the device and facilitate removing any airbubbles. For example, overlay cover 836 can be a clear plastic materialhaving a thickness of approximately 1 mm to approximately 2 mm. Clearplastic can advantageously allow the user to see through overlay cover836 to ensure alignment and proper operation of machine 800.

In other embodiments, machine 800 does not include roller assembly 820,overlay cover 836 can have a dimension such that it can fully coverprotective cover 120 (FIG. 1). Overlay cover 836 can be rigid, and canbe hinged to cradle 832 and/or carriage 830. Overlay cover 836 caninclude a snap or other attachment mechanism on the side opposite thehinge, which can hold overlay cover 836 at a predetermined distance fromthe device screen and facilitate wiping of the device screen by wiper157. In another embodiment, the hinge connecting overlay cover 836 tocradle 832 and/or carriage 830 can be spring-loaded to hold overlaycover 836 close to overlay applicator 100.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 15 illustrates an exploded isometricview of an overlay applicator 1500. Overlay applicator 1500 is merelyexemplary and embodiments of the overlay applicator are not limited toembodiments presented herein. The overlay applicator can be employed inmany different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted ordescribed herein. Overlay applicator 1500 can be similar to overlayapplicator 100 (FIG. 1), overlay applicator 400 (FIGS. 4-5), overlayapplicator 600 (FIG. 6), and/or overlay applicator 700 (FIG. 7), andvarious components and/or constructions of overlay applicator 1500 canbe substantially identical or similar to various components of overlayapplicator 100 (FIG. 1), overlay applicator 400 (FIGS. 4-5), overlayapplicator 600 (FIG. 6), and/or overlay applicator 700 (FIG. 7). Overlayapplicator 1500 can include a protective film 1520, an overlay 1530, anadhesive release liner 1540, and/or a pull tab 1550. Protective film1520 can be similar to protective film 120 (FIG. 1), protective film 420(FIGS. 4-5), protective film 620 (FIG. 6), and/or protective film 720(FIG. 7); overlay 1530 can be similar to overlay 130 (FIG. 1), overlay430 (FIGS. 4-5), overlay 630 (FIG. 6), and/or overlay 730 (FIG. 7);adhesive release liner 1540 can be similar to adhesive release liner 140(FIG. 1), adhesive release liner 440 (FIGS. 4-5), adhesive release liner640 (FIG. 6), and/or adhesive release liner 740 (FIG. 7); and/or pulltab 1550 can be similar to pull tab 150 (FIG. 1), pull tab 450 (FIGS.4-5), pull tab 650 (FIG. 6), and/or pull tab 750 (FIG. 7). In someembodiments, protective film 1520, overlay 1530, and adhesive releaseliner 1540 can be attached to each other, and pull tab 1550 can beadhered to adhesive release liner 1540, similarly as shown above in FIG.1, described above.

In many embodiments, protective film 1520 can include an alignment flaps1510 extending at each corner of overlay 1530. Alignment flaps 1510 canbe similar to alignment tab 110 (FIGS. 1-3), alignment tab 410 (FIGS.4-5), alignment tab 610 (FIG. 6), and/or alignment frame 710 (FIG. 7).In a number of embodiments, alignment flaps 1510 can be integral withprotective film 1520. Alignment flaps 1510 can include an alignmentmechanism 1515. In some embodiments, alignment mechanism 1515 caninclude multiple holes surrounding overlay 1530. For example, as shownin FIG. 15, alignment mechanism 1515 can include a hole at each ofalignment flaps 1510, at each corner surrounding overlay 1530. Alignmentflaps 1510 can provide alignment at multiple points around overlay 1530,which can advantageously provide accurate alignment and help reducedistortion. In some embodiments, pull tab 1550 can include pulling aid1556, which can be similar to pulling aid 156 (FIG. 1) and/or pullingaid 456 (FIGS. 4-5).

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 16 illustrates an isometric view ofan machine 1600 in a first configuration. FIG. 17 illustrates a top viewof machine 1600 in a second configuration. FIG. 18 illustrates a sideview of machine 1600 in a second configuration. FIG. 19 illustrates aside view of machine 1600 in a third configuration. Machine 1600 ismerely exemplary and embodiments of the machine are not limited toembodiments presented herein. The machine can be employed in manydifferent embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or describedherein. In some embodiment, machine 1600 can include a base 1610, acradle 1620, a first frame 1630, and/or a second frame 1640. In someembodiments first frame 1630 can be an alignment piece hingedly attachedto base 1610. In a number of embodiments, second frame 1640 can be apulling piece hingedly attached to base 1610. Cradle 1620 can include aslot 1621 in which a device 1650 (e.g., a smart phone) can be placedwith the screen facing upwards. Cradle 1620 can also include recesses1622 surrounding slot 1621 to allow a user to remove the device fromcradle 1620. In some embodiments, slot 1621 is conformal with device1650. In some embodiments, cradle 1620 can be integral with base 1610.In other embodiments, cradle 1620 can be removable from base 1610. Forexample, base 1610 can be configured to hold one or more additionalcradles that are different than cradle 1620. The one or more additionalcradles can be configured to securely hold one or more devices havingdifferent dimensions than the device that fits in cradle 1620.

In several embodiments, first frame 1630 can be attached to base 1610 atfirst hinge 1631, and can rotate around first hinge 1631. For example,first frame 1630 can be rotated relative to base 1610 in a firstdirection from a first position, such as shown in FIGS. 16-18, to asecond position proximate to cradle 1620, such as shown in FIG. 19. Inmany embodiments, second frame 1640 can be attached to base 1610 atsecond hinge 1641, and can rotate around second hinge 1641. For example,second frame 1640 can be rotated relative to base 1610 in the firstdirection from a first position proximate to cradle 1620, such as shownin FIGS. 17-18, to a second position, such as shown in FIG. 16. Firstframe 1630 can include an alignment base 1632, which can engage withalignment mechanism 1515 to secure overlay applicator 1500 to firstframe 1630. In certain embodiments, when machine 1600 is in a firstconfiguration with cradle 1620 uncovered, as shown in FIG. 16, device1650 can be placed in slot 1621, and overlay applicator 1500 can beattached to first frame 1630, with overlay applicator 1500 oriented withprotective film 1520 facing first frame 1630 and adhesive release liner1540 facing upward. In some embodiments, first frame 1630 can include anaperture or window 1633, and/or second frame 1640 can include anaperture or window 1643. Aperture or window 1633 and/or aperture orwindow 1643 can allow a user to reach through and/or see through firstframe 1630 and second frame 1640.

When machine 1600 is in a second position with second frame 1640covering cradle 1620, as shown in FIGS. 17-18, pull tab 1550 can beattached to second frame 1640 at the same time as overlay applicator1500 is attached to first frame 1630. Second frame 1640 can include apulling mechanism 1741, which can engage with pulling aid 1556 of pulltab 1550. Pulling mechanism 1741 can be a protrusion or other suitableattachment mechanism. In a number of embodiments, machine 1600 can beconfigured such that when alignment base 1632 is engaged with alignmentmechanism (such as alignment flaps 1510), pulling mechanism 1741 isengaged with pull tab 1550, cradle 1620 is holding the device, andsecond frame 1640 is rotated relative to base 1610 in the firstdirection from the first position proximate, such as shown in FIGS.17-18, to the second position, such as shown in FIG. 16, first frame1630 can be rotated relative to base 1610 in the first direction fromthe first position, such as shown in FIGS. 16-18, to the secondposition, such as shown in FIG. 19, and adhesive release liner 1540 canbe removed from overlay 1530 (FIG. 15) to expose the adhesive agent ofoverlay 1530 (FIG. 15) to the screen of the device.

To illustrate, for example, after pull tab 1550 is attached to secondframe 1640, a user can lift second frame 1640, which can pull on pulltab 1550 and begin to peel adhesive release liner 1540 from overlay 1530(FIG. 15). Raising second frame 1640 from base 1610 and pulling on pulltab 1550, can result in first frame 1630 being raised from base 1610,around first hinge 1631, as shown in FIG. 19. Continuing to rotatesecond frame 1640 around second hinge 1641 can result in adhesiverelease liner 1540 being peeling away from overlay 1530 (FIG. 15),exposing the adhesive agent on the bottom of overlay 1530 (FIG. 15). Inmany embodiments, second frame 1640 can be raised and rotatedsufficiently around second hinge 1641 while pulling on pull tab 1550 andremoving adhesive release liner 1540 to allow first frame 1630 to befurther rotated around first hinge 1631 and lowered toward device 1650.When second frame 1640 has rotated fully around second hinge 1641,adhesive release liner 1540 can be completely removed from overlay 1530(FIG. 15), and first frame can be lowered completely onto device 1650.After overlay 1530 (FIG. 15) is adhered to the screen of device 1650,the user can reach through aperture 1633 to smooth overlay 1530 (FIG.15) on device 1650 to remove any bubbles between overlay 1530 (FIG. 15)and the screen of device 1650. First frame 1630 can be lifted andremoved from protective film 1520. Protective film 1520 can be removedfrom overlay 1530 (FIG. 15). In some embodiments, protective film 1520can be removed by lifting and/or pulling alignment flaps 1510. In manyembodiments, protective film 1520 is removed after smoothing out anybubbles, so that protective film 1520 can prevent damage to overlay 1530(FIG. 15) from forceful pushing or rubbing involved in smoothing thebubbles, as explained above. Device 1650 can be removed from cradle 1620with overlay 1530 (FIG. 15) installed. In many embodiments, machine 1600can be lightweight and easily portable, for example, such that it can becarried around by a sales associate.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 20 illustrates an isometric view ofa machine 2000 for using an overlay applicator to apply an overlay to adevice, showing the overlay cover extended. FIG. 21 illustrates anisometric view of machine 2000 with the overlay cover engaged and theroller pressing against the tongue of the overlay cover. FIG. 22illustrates an isometric view of machine 2000 with the overlay coverengaged and the roller disengaged from the overlay cover. Machine 2000is merely exemplary and embodiments of the machine are not limited toembodiments presented herein. The machine can be employed in manydifferent embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or describedherein. Machine 2000 can be used with an overlay applicator, such asoverlay applicator 100 (FIG. 1), to apply an overlay, such as overlay130 (FIG. 1), to the device. Machine 2000 also can be used with otheroverlay applicators (e.g., overlay applicator 400 (FIGS. 4-5), and/oroverlay applicator 600 (FIG. 6). Machine 2000 can be similar to machine800 (FIGS. 8-14) and various components or constructions of machine 2000can be substantially identical or similar to various components ofmachine 800 (FIGS. 8-14), but can include variations in the rollerassembly and the overlay cover. The operation of machine 2000 can besimilar to the operation of machine 800 (FIGS. 8-14).

In many embodiments, machine 2000 can include a base 2010, a carriage2030, and a handle assembly 2050, and can operate in a substantiallysimilar manner to the operation of base 810, carriage 830 and handleassembly 850, respectively, of machine 800 (FIGS. 8-14). Base 2010 canextend from a first side 2019 to a second side 2018. Carriage 2030 canbe configured to hold a cradle 2032, which can be substantially similarto cradle 832 (FIGS. 8-14). Carriage 2030 can be used with variousdifferent cradles, which can be configured for different devices. Cradle2032 can include an alignment base 2035, which can engage with alignmentmechanism 115 (FIG. 1).

Carriage 2030 can include an overlay cover 2036, which can cover overlayapplicator 100 (FIG. 1) and can hold overlay applicator 100 (FIG. 1) tocradle 2032. In many embodiments, the device can be placed in cradle2032, with the screen of the device facing up, as shown in FIGS. 20-22.Overlay applicator 100 (FIG. 1) can be placed on cradle 2032, such thatalignment mechanism 115 (FIG. 1) engages with alignment base 2035.Overlay cover 2036 can be placed over overlay applicator 100. Overlaycover 2036 can be attached to carriage 2030 at an end of carriage 2030closer to first end 2019, and/or can be attached with a hinge 2037. Inother embodiments, overlay cover 2036 can be attached instead to cradle2032. In many embodiments, hinge 2037 can be a spring-loaded hinge,which can bias overlay cover to cover overlay applicator 100 (FIG. 1).In other embodiments, overlay cover 2036 can include a snap or otherattachment mechanism on the side opposite hinge 2037. Overlay cover 2036can hold overlay applicator 100 (FIG. 1) within a predetermined distancefrom the device screen and can provide sufficient pressure to wiper 157(FIG. 1) as it is pulled in order to clean the screen of the device.

Overlay cover 2036 can include a frame 2071 extending around a coversheet 2072. Frame 2071 and/or cover sheet 2072 can be substantiallyrectangular. In many embodiments, cover sheet 2072 can be a piece offlexible or semi-flexible plastic. Cover sheet 2072 can be configured topress wiper 157 (FIG. 1) downward toward the screen of the device aswiper 157 (FIG. 1) moves across the screen of the device. In a number ofembodiments, cover sheet 2072 can to secure overlay 130 (FIG. 1)proximate to the screen of the device. Cover sheet 2072 can beapproximately 1.5 mm. In a number of embodiments, cover sheet 2072 caninclude a tongue 2073, which can be formed by two slits 2074 through thethickness of cover sheet 2072. In some embodiments, cover sheet 2072 canbe attached to frame 2071 around the entire perimeter of frame 2071except at a tongue interface 2075 in which tongue 2073 contacts frame2071. Tongue 2073 can be centered between the sides of cover sheet 2072and/or can extend through cover sheet 2072 from the side of oppositehinge 2037 partially toward of hinge 2037. Tongue 2073 can be configuredto cover overlay applicator 100 (FIG. 1) proximate to the leading edgeof overlay 130 (FIG. 3), near alignment mechanism 115 (FIG. 1). Tongue2073 can include a central pad 2076. Central pad 2076 can be made offoam or an elastomeric material.

Base 2010 can include a roller assembly 2020. Roller assembly 2020 canbe similar to roller assembly 820 (FIGS. 8-14). Roller assembly 2020 caninclude roller assembly supports 2023 and/or a roller cross support2021. Roller assembly supports 2023 can be attached to base 2010 andextend upward to provide support for roller cross support 2021. Rollerassembly supports 2023 can be configured such that carriage 2030 canslide back and forth between roller assembly supports 2023 and underroller cross support 2021. Roller cross support 2021 can be attached toroller assembly supports 2023 at axle 2024. Roller cross support 2021can include a roller 2025, which can have a central roller surface 2026with a width less than or equal to the width of tongue 2073 and can rollacross the center between the two sides of overlay cover 2036. Roller2025 can include one or more side rollers surfaces 2027, which can rollalong the sides of frame 2071. In some embodiments, axle 2024 can bespring-loaded to provide downward pressure for roller 2025 as centralroller surface 2026 rolls over overlay cover 2036.

In some embodiments, as handle assembly 2050 is extended and carriage2030 moves from first side 2019 to second side 2018, central rollersurface 2026 can roll along the central top side of overlay cover 2036.In many embodiments, as handle assembly 2050 is extended and pull tab150 is pulled, wiper 157 (FIG. 1) is pulled away from the leading edgeof overlay cover 2036 opposite hinge 2037, such that wiper 157 (FIG. 1)can be beyond the region near tongue interface 2075 when central rollersurface 2026 first contacts tongue 2073 at tongue interface 2075. Inmany embodiments, as central roller surface 2026 rolls over tongue 2073,as shown in FIG. 21, it can provide sufficient pressure to depresstongue 2073 to adhere the exposed adhesive of overlay 130 (FIG. 1) tothe surface of the device and push out air bubbles. Central pad 2076 candistribute the pressure to and provide a controlled pressure at theleading edge of overlay 130 (FIG. 1) near tongue interface 2075. Byproviding a solid adherence between overlay 130 (FIG. 1) and the screenof the device in the middle, the adhesive of overlay 130 (FIG. 1) canwet out to adhere toward the edges of overlay 130 (FIG. 1).

In many embodiments, one or both sides of frame 2071 can include a cam2077. In some embodiments, cam 2077 can be configured to raise roller2025, such as by side rollers 2027 rolling over the ramp and raisedportions of cam 2077, so as to prevent central roller surface 2026 frompressing down on overlay cover 2036. In many embodiments, after centralroller surface 2026 rolls over the length of tongue 2073, cam 2077 canraise roller 2025, which can disengage roller surface 2026 from overlaycover 2036 and allow machine 2000 to more easily pull away adhesiverelease liner 140 (FIG. 1) under the portion of overlay cover 2036 nearhinge 2037, as shown in FIG. 22. Cam 2077 can be located proximate tothe trailing edge of overlay 130 opposite from alignment mechanism 115(FIG. 1).

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 23 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of a method 2300 of providing an overlay applicator. Method2300 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presentedherein. Method 2300 can be employed in many different embodiments orexamples not specifically depicted or described herein. In someembodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities ofmethod 2300 can be performed in the order presented. In otherembodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities of themethod 2300 can be performed in any other suitable order. In still otherembodiments, one or more of the procedures, the processes, and/or theactivities in method 2300 can be combined or skipped. In someembodiments, the overlay applicator can be similar or identical tooverlay applicator 100 (FIG. 1), overlay applicator 400 (FIGS. 4-5),overlay applicator 600 (FIG. 6), overlay applicator 700 (FIG. 7), and/oroverlay applicator 1500 (FIG. 15).

Referring to FIG. 23, method 2300 can include a block 2301 of providingan overlay. In many embodiments, the overlay can be similar or identicalto overlay 130 (FIG. 1), overlay 430 (FIGS. 4-5), overlay 630 (FIG. 6),overlay 730 (FIG. 7), and/or overlay 1530 (FIG. 15). In a number ofembodiments, the overlay can have a top side and a bottom side. The topside of the overlay can be similar or identical to top side 131 (FIG. 1)of overlay 130 (FIG. 1). The bottom side of the overlay can be similaror identical to bottom side 132 (FIG. 1) of overlay 130 (FIG. 1). Invarious embodiments, the bottom side can include an adhesive agentconfigured to adhere to a screen of an electronic device.

In some embodiments, method 2300 can include a block 2302 of providingan adhesive release liner. The adhesive release liner can be similar oridentical to adhesive release liner 140 (FIG. 1), adhesive release liner440 (FIGS. 4-5), adhesive release liner 640 (FIG. 6), adhesive releaseliner 740 (FIG. 7); and/or adhesive release liner 1540 (FIG. 15). In anumber of embodiments, the adhesive release liner can have a top sideand a bottom side. The top side of the adhesive release liner can beremovably attached to the bottom side of the overlay. In someembodiments, the adhesive release liner can be configured to protect theadhesive agent at the bottom side of the overlay from contaminants.

In a number of embodiments, method 2300 can include a block 2303 ofproviding a protective film. In some embodiments, the protective filmcan be similar or identical to protective film 120 (FIG. 1), protectivefilm 420 (FIGS. 4-5), protective film 620 (FIG. 6), protective film 720(FIG. 7), and/or protective film 1520 (FIG. 15). In many embodiments,the protective film can be removably attached to the top side of theoverlay.

In many embodiments, method 2300 can include a block 2304 of providingan alignment tab. In some embodiments, the alignment tab can be similaror identical to alignment tab 110 (FIG. 1), alignment tab 410 (FIGS.4-5), alignment tab 610 (FIG. 6), alignment frame 710 (FIG. 7), and/oralignment flaps 1510 (FIG. 15). In many embodiments, the alignment tabcan include an alignment mechanism. The alignment mechanism can besimilar or identical to alignment mechanism 115 (FIG. 1), alignmentmechanism 415 (FIG. 4), alignment mechanism 615 (FIG. 6), alignmentmechanism 715 (FIG. 7), and/or alignment mechanism 1515 (FIG. 15). Invarious embodiments, the alignment mechanism of the alignment tab can beconfigured to engage with an alignment base, such as alignment base 212(FIG. 2), alignment base 312 (FIG. 3), alignment base 835 (FIGS. 8-9,13-14), alignment base 1632 (FIGS. 16-19), and/or alignment base 2035(FIG. 20), to align the overlay with the screen of the electronicdevice.

In a number of embodiments, the alignment tab can include a top layerthat is integral with the protective film, a middle layer attached tothe top layer; and a bottom layer attached to the middle layer. In someembodiments, method 2300 of providing the overlay applicator can includeproviding a cut between the middle layer of the alignment tab and theoverlay, and between the bottom layer of the alignment tab and theadhesive release liner.

In various embodiments, the alignment tab can include a top layer and abottom layer attached to the top layer. In some embodiments, method 2300of providing the overlay applicator can include providing a cut betweenthe top layer of the alignment tab and the protective film, and betweenthe bottom layer of the alignment tab and the overlay. In certainembodiments, method 2300 of providing the overlay applicator can includeproviding a sticker attached to and spanning the cut between theprotective film and the top layer of the alignment tab.

In some embodiments, the alignment tab can include an alignment frameextending around each side of the overlay. In several embodiments, thealignment frame can be integral with the protective film. In a number ofembodiments, the alignment frame can include the alignment mechanism. Invarious embodiments, the alignment mechanism can include at least sixholes.

In a number of embodiments, the alignment tab can include alignmentflaps extending at each corner of the overlay. In certain embodiments,the alignment flaps can be integral with the protective film. In variousembodiments, the alignment flaps can include alignment mechanism.

In several embodiments, method 2300 can include a block 2305 ofproviding a pull tab. In some embodiments, the pull tab can be similaror identical to pull tab 150 (FIG. 1), pull tab 450 (FIGS. 4-5), pulltab 650 (FIG. 6), pull tab 750 (FIG. 7), and/or pull tab 1550 (FIG. 15).In many embodiments, the pull tab can include a wiper. The wiper can besimilar or identical to wiper 157 (FIG. 1), wiper 457 (FIG. 4), wiper657 (FIG. 6), and/or wiper 757 (FIG. 7). In certain embodiments, thepull tab can be integral with the adhesive release liner. In manyembodiments, the pull tab, including the wiper, and the adhesive releaseliner can be configured such that the pull tab can be folded across thebottom side of the adhesive release liner and be pulled to remove theadhesive release liner from the bottom side of the overlay to expose theadhesive agent. In several embodiments, the pull tab, including thewiper, and the adhesive release liner can be configured such that whenthe pull tab is pulled, the wiper can be configured to wipe across andclean the screen of the electronic device. In several embodiments thepull tab, including the wiper, and the adhesive release liner can beconfigured such that when the pull tab is pulled, the wiper can beconfigured to wipe across a length of the screen of the electronicdevice that is greater than a width of the screen of the electronicdevice.

Proceeding to the next drawing, FIG. 24 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of a method 2400 of providing a machine. Method 2400 ismerely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.Method 2400 can be employed in many different embodiments or examplesnot specifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, theprocedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 2400 can beperformed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the procedures,the processes, and/or the activities of the method 2400 can be performedin any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more ofthe procedures, the processes, and/or the activities in method 2400 canbe combined or skipped. In some embodiments, the machine can be similaror identical to machine 800 (FIGS. 8-14) and/or machine 2000 (FIGS.20-22).

Referring to FIG. 24, method 2400 can include a block 2401 of providinga base. In many embodiments, the base can be similar or identical tobase 810 (FIGS. 8-14) and/or base 2010 (FIGS. 20-22). In variousembodiments, the base can include a roller assembly. The roller assemblycan be similar or identical to roller assembly 820 (FIGS. 8-14) and orroller assembly 2020 (FIGS. 20-22). The roller assembly can include oneor more rollers, such as the first roller surface or second rollersurface 828 (FIGS. 8, 11, 13), central roller surface 2026 (FIGS.20-22), and/or side roller surfaces 2027 (FIGS. 20-22).

In some embodiments, method 2400 can include a block 2402 of providing acarriage. The carriage can be similar or identical to carriage 830(FIGS. 8-14) and/or carriage 2030 (FIGS. 20-22). In a number ofembodiments, the carriage can include a first cradle. The first cradlecan be similar or identical to cradle 832 (FIGS. 8-9, 12-14) and/orcradle 2032 (FIG. 20). The first cradle can be configured to securelyhold a first electronic device. In many embodiments, the carriage caninclude an alignment base. The alignment base can be similar oridentical to alignment base 212 (FIG. 2), alignment base 312 (FIG. 3),alignment base 835 (FIGS. 8-9, 13-14), alignment base 1632 (FIGS.16-19), and/or alignment base 2035 (FIG. 20). The alignment base can beconfigured to engage with an alignment mechanism, such as alignmentmechanism 115 (FIG. 1), alignment mechanism 415 (FIG. 4), alignmentmechanism 615 (FIG. 6), alignment mechanism 715 (FIG. 7), and/oralignment mechanism 1515 (FIG. 15), of an overlay applicator, such asoverlay applicator 100 (FIG. 1), overlay applicator 400 (FIGS. 4-5),overlay applicator 600 (FIG. 6), overlay applicator 700 (FIG. 7), and/oroverlay applicator 1500 (FIG. 15).

In a number of embodiments, method 2400 can include a block 2403 ofproviding a handle assembly. The handle assembly can be similar oridentical to handle assembly 850 (FIGS. 8-14) and/or handle assembly2050 (FIGS. 20-22). In some embodiments, the handle assembly can includea handle. The handle can be similar or identical to handle 855 (FIGS.8-9, 11-14). In several embodiments, the handle assembly can include apulling mechanism. The pulling mechanism can be similar or identical topulling mechanism 856 (FIGS. 8-9, 11-14) and/or pulling mechanism 1741(FIGS. 17, 19). In a number of embodiments, the pulling mechanism can beconfigured to engage with a pull tab, such as pull tab 150 (FIG. 1),pull tab 450 (FIGS. 4-5), pull tab 650 (FIG. 6), pull tab 750 (FIG. 7),and/or pull tab 1550 (FIG. 15), of the overlay applicator.

In many embodiments, the machine can be configured such that the handleassembly can be pulled in a first direction relative to the base from afirst handle position to a second handle position. In many embodiments,the machine can be configured such that when the handle assembly ismoved from the first handle position to the second handle position, thecarriage can move in a second direction relative to the base from afirst carriage position to a second carriage position. The seconddirection can be opposite the first direction. In several embodiments,the machine can be configured such that when the alignment base isengaged with the alignment mechanism of the overlay applicator, thepulling mechanism is engaged with the pull tab of the overlayapplicator, the first cradle is holding the first electronic device, andthe handle assembly is pulled in the first direction relative to thebase from the first handle position to the second handle position, anadhesive release liner of the overlay applicator can be removed from anoverlay of the overlay applicator starting at a leading edge of theoverlay and continuing to a trailing edge of the overlay to expose anadhesive agent of the overlay of the overlay applicator to a screen ofthe first electronic device.

In some embodiments, the machine can be configured such that when thecarriage moves from the first carriage position to the second carriageposition, the one or more rollers can be configured to roll over andpress downward on the overlay applicator to adhere the exposed adhesiveagent of the overlay to the screen of the first electronic device. In anumber of embodiments, method 2400 can include providing an overlaycover. The overlay cover can be similar or identical to overlay cover836 (FIGS. 8-9, 12-14) and/or overlay cover 2036 (FIGS. 20-22). Invarious embodiments, the overlay cover can be configured to secure theoverlay applicator to the alignment base when the alignment mechanism ofthe overlay applicator is engaged with the alignment base.

Proceeding to the next drawing, FIG. 25 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of a method 2500 of providing a machine. Method 2500 ismerely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.Method 2500 can be employed in many different embodiments or examplesnot specifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, theprocedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 2500 can beperformed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the procedures,the processes, and/or the activities of the method 2500 can be performedin any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more ofthe procedures, the processes, and/or the activities in method 2500 canbe combined or skipped. In some embodiments, the machine can be similaror identical to machine 1600 (FIGS. 16-19).

Referring to FIG. 25, method 2500 can include a block 2501 of providinga base. In many embodiments, the base can be similar or identical tobase 1610 (FIGS. 16-19).

In some embodiments, method 2500 can include a block 2502 of providing acradle. The cradle can be similar or identical to cradle 1620 (FIG. 16).The cradle can be configured to securely hold a first electronic device.

In a number of embodiments, method 2500 can include a block 2503 ofproviding an alignment piece. The alignment piece can be similar oridentical to first frame 1630 (FIGS. 16-19). In many embodiments, thealignment piece can be hingedly attached to the base. In severalembodiments, the alignment piece can include an alignment base. Thealignment base can be similar or identical to alignment base 212 (FIG.2), alignment base 312 (FIG. 3), alignment base 835 (FIGS. 8-9, 13-14),alignment base 1632 (FIGS. 16-19), and/or alignment base 2035 (FIG. 20).The alignment base can be configured to engage with an alignmentmechanism, such as alignment mechanism 115 (FIG. 1), alignment mechanism415 (FIG. 4), alignment mechanism 615 (FIG. 6), alignment mechanism 715(FIG. 7), and/or alignment mechanism 1515 (FIG. 15), of an overlayapplicator, such as overlay applicator 100 (FIG. 1), overlay applicator400 (FIGS. 4-5), overlay applicator 600 (FIG. 6), overlay applicator 700(FIG. 7), and/or overlay applicator 1500 (FIG. 15).

In a number of embodiments, method 2500 can include a block 2504 ofproviding a pulling piece. The puling piece can be similar or identicalto second frame 1640 (FIGS. 16-19). In many embodiments, the pullingpiece can be hingedly attached to the base. In several embodiments, thepulling piece can include a pulling mechanism. The pulling mechanism canbe similar or identical to pulling mechanism 856 (FIGS. 8-9, 11-14)and/or pulling mechanism 1741 (FIGS. 17, 19). In a number ofembodiments, the pulling mechanism can be configured to engage with apull tab, such as pull tab 150 (FIG. 1), pull tab 450 (FIGS. 4-5), pulltab 650 (FIG. 6), pull tab 750 (FIG. 7), and/or pull tab 1550 (FIG. 15),of the overlay applicator.

In some embodiments, the machine can be configured such that the pullingpiece can be rotated relative to the base in a first direction from afirst pulling piece position to a second pulling piece position. Thefirst pulling piece position can be proximate to the cradle. In manyembodiments, the machine can be configured such that the alignment piececan be rotated relative to the base in the first direction from a firstalignment piece position to a second alignment piece position. Thesecond alignment piece position can be proximate to the cradle. In manyembodiments, the machine can be configured such that when the alignmentbase is engaged with the alignment mechanism of the overlay applicator,the pulling mechanism is engaged with the pull tab of the overlayapplicator, the cradle is holding the first electronic device, and thepulling piece is rotated relative to the base in the first directionfrom the first pulling piece position to the second pulling pieceposition, the alignment piece can be rotated relative to the base in thefirst direction from the first alignment piece position to the secondalignment piece position to pull the pull tab of the overlay applicator,and an adhesive release liner of the overlay applicator can be removedfrom an overlay of the overlay applicator to expose an adhesive agent ofan overlay to a screen of the first electronic device.

Proceeding to the next drawing, FIG. 26 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of a method 2600 of using an overlay applicator to apply anoverlay to a screen of an electronic device. Method 2600 is merelyexemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method2600 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples notspecifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, theprocedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 2600 can beperformed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the procedures,the processes, and/or the activities of the method 2600 can be performedin any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more ofthe procedures, the processes, and/or the activities in method 2600 canbe combined or skipped. In some embodiments, the overlay applicator canbe similar or identical to overlay applicator 100 (FIG. 1), overlayapplicator 400 (FIGS. 4-5), overlay applicator 600 (FIG. 6), overlayapplicator 700 (FIG. 7), and/or overlay applicator 1500 (FIG. 15). Inmany embodiments, the overlay can be similar or identical to overlay 130(FIG. 1), overlay 430 (FIGS. 4-5), overlay 630 (FIG. 6), overlay 730(FIG. 7), and/or overlay 1530 (FIG. 15).

Referring to FIG. 26, method 2600 can include a block 2601 of attachingthe overlay applicator to a first apparatus. In some embodiments, thefirst apparatus can be a frame. The frame can be similar or identical toframe 210 (FIG. 2). In many embodiments, the first apparatus can be acradle. The cradle can be similar or identical to cradle 310 (FIG. 3),cradle 832 (FIGS. 8-9, 12-14) and/or cradle 2032 (FIG. 20). In severalembodiments, the first apparatus can be a machine. The machine can besimilar or identical to machine 800 (FIGS. 8-14), machine 1600 (FIGS.16-19), and/or machine 2000 (FIGS. 20-22). In many embodiments, thefirst apparatus can securely hold the electronic device.

In many embodiments, the overlay applicator can include an overlay. Inmany embodiments, the overlay can be similar or identical to overlay 130(FIG. 1), overlay 430 (FIGS. 4-5), overlay 630 (FIG. 6), overlay 730(FIG. 7), and/or overlay 1530 (FIG. 15). In a number of embodiments, theoverlay can have a top side and a bottom side. The top side of theoverlay can be similar or identical to top side 131 (FIG. 1) of overlay130 (FIG. 1). The bottom side of the overlay can be similar or identicalto bottom side 132 (FIG. 1) of overlay 130 (FIG. 1). In variousembodiments, the bottom side can include an adhesive agent configured toadhere to the screen of the electronic device.

In a number of embodiments, the overlay applicator can include anadhesive release liner. The adhesive release liner can be similar oridentical to adhesive release liner 140 (FIG. 1), adhesive release liner440 (FIGS. 4-5), adhesive release liner 640 (FIG. 6), adhesive releaseliner 740 (FIG. 7); and/or adhesive release liner 1540 (FIG. 15). In anumber of embodiments, the adhesive release liner can have a top sideand a bottom side. The top side of the adhesive release liner can beremovably attached to the bottom side of the overlay. In someembodiments, the adhesive release liner can be configured to protect theadhesive agent at the bottom side of the overlay from contaminants.

In several embodiments, the overlay applicator can include a protectivefilm. In some embodiments, the protective film can be similar oridentical to protective film 120 (FIG. 1), protective film 420 (FIGS.4-5), protective film 620 (FIG. 6), protective film 720 (FIG. 7), and/orprotective film 1520 (FIG. 15). In many embodiments, the protective filmcan be removably attached to the top side of the overlay.

In various embodiments, the overlay applicator can include an alignmenttab. In some embodiments, the alignment tab can be similar or identicalto alignment tab 110 (FIG. 1), alignment tab 410 (FIGS. 4-5), alignmenttab 610 (FIG. 6), alignment frame 710 (FIG. 7), and/or alignment flaps1510 (FIG. 15). In many embodiments, the alignment tab can include analignment mechanism. The alignment mechanism can be similar or identicalto alignment mechanism 115 (FIG. 1), alignment mechanism 415 (FIG. 4),alignment mechanism 615 (FIG. 6), alignment mechanism 715 (FIG. 7),and/or alignment mechanism 1515 (FIG. 15). In various embodiments, thealignment mechanism of the alignment tab can be configured to engagewith an alignment base, such as alignment base 212 (FIG. 2), alignmentbase 312 (FIG. 3), alignment base 835 (FIGS. 8-9, 13-14), alignment base1632 (FIGS. 16-19), and/or alignment base 2035 (FIG. 20), of the firstapparatus.

In several embodiments, the overlay applicator can include a pull tab.In some embodiments, the pull tab can be similar or identical to pulltab 150 (FIG. 1), pull tab 450 (FIGS. 4-5), pull tab 650 (FIG. 6), pulltab 750 (FIG. 7), and/or pull tab 1550 (FIG. 15). In many embodiments,the pull tab can include a wiper. The wiper can be similar or identicalto wiper 157 (FIG. 1), wiper 457 (FIG. 4), wiper 657 (FIG. 6), and/orwiper 757 (FIG. 7).

In some embodiments, method 2600 can include a block 2602 of pulling thepull tab across the bottom side of the adhesive release liner to removethe adhesive release liner from the bottom side of the overlay to exposethe adhesive agent to the screen of the electronic device.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIGS. 27-30 illustrate a perspective viewof components of an overlay applicator 3000, which is shown in itsentirety in FIG. 30, and illustrate a method of constructing overlayapplicator 3000. Overlay applicator 3000 is merely exemplary andembodiments of the overlay applicator are not limited to embodimentspresented herein. The overlay applicator can be employed in manydifferent embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or describedherein. Overlay applicator 3000 can be similar to overlay applicator 100(FIG. 1), overlay applicator 400 (FIGS. 4-5), overlay applicator 600(FIG. 6), overlay applicator 700 (FIG. 7), and/or overlay applicator1500 (FIG. 15), and various components and/or constructions of overlayapplicator 3000 can be substantially identical or similar to variouscomponents of overlay applicator 100 (FIG. 1), overlay applicator 400(FIGS. 4-5), overlay applicator 600 (FIG. 6), overlay applicator 700(FIG. 7), and/or overlay applicator 1500 (FIG. 15).

As shown in FIG. 27, overlay applicator 3000 (FIG. 30) can beconstructed to include an adhesive release liner 2740 and a pull tab2750. In some embodiments, pull tab 2750 can be integral with releaseliner 2740 and can be a single layer of material, such as plastic,paper, or another suitable liner film. Pull tab 2750 can facilitateremoval of adhesive release liner 2740. Pull tab 2750 can be at a secondside 2758 of the material and adhesive release liner 2740 can be at afirst side 2759. Pull tab 2750 can include a pulling aid 2756, which canbe similar to pulling aid 156 (FIG. 1), pulling aid 456 (FIGS. 4-5),and/or pulling aid 1556 (FIG. 15). Release liner 2740 also can include aspeaker slot 2723, a button slot 2724, and/or one or more other slotsfor a front side camera, a camera flash, a status indicator, etc. Pulltab 2750 and adhesive release liner 2740 can be cut as one piece ofmaterial, and pulling aid 2756, speaker slot 2723, button slot 2724,etc., can be cut out from pull tab 2750 and adhesive release liner 2740.

In a number of embodiments, after cutting pull tab 2750 and adhesiverelease liner 2740, such as shown in FIG. 27, a wiper 2857 can be addedto pull tab 2750, as shown in FIG. 28. Wiper 2857 can remove dust fromthe screen of the device, and can be similar to wiper 157 (FIG. 1),wiper 457 (FIGS. 4-5), wiper 657 (FIG. 6), and/or wiper 757 (FIG. 7).

In various embodiments, after adhering or otherwise attaching wiper 2857to pull tab 2750, construction of overlay applicator 3000 (FIG. 30) caninclude adhering and/or attaching layers of material for overlay 2930and protective film 2920, as shown in FIG. 29. Protective film 2920 canbe similar to protective film 120 (FIG. 1), protective film 420 (FIGS.4-5), protective film 620 (FIG. 6), protective film 720 (FIG. 7) and/orprotective film 1520 (FIG. 15). Overlay 2930 can be similar to overlay130 (FIG. 1), overlay 430 (FIGS. 4-5), overlay 630 (FIG. 6), overlay 730(FIG. 7), and/or overlay 1530 (FIG. 15). In a number of embodiments,overlay applicator 3000 (FIG. 30) can include an alignment tab 2910, adevice portion 2970 and/or a tail portion 2990. Alignment tab 2910 canbe similar to alignment tab 110 (FIG. 1), alignment tab 410 (FIG. 4),and/or alignment tab 610 (FIG. 6). Device portion 2970 can be similar todevice portion 470 (FIGS. 4-5) and/or device portion 670 (FIG. 6). Insome embodiments, device portion 2970 and alignment tab 2910 can be madeof the layers used for protective film 2920, overlay 2930, and adhesiverelease liner 2740. Alignment tab 2910 can include an alignmentmechanism 2915, which can be similar to alignment mechanism 115 (FIG.1), alignment mechanism 415 (FIGS. 4-5), and/or alignment mechanism 615(FIG. 6), and which can facilitate aligning alignment tab 2910,protective film 2920, overlay 2930, and adhesive release liner 2740 withvarious features of the device during application of overlay 2930.

After attaching the layers, protective film 2920 and overlay 2930 can bekiss cut to predetermined dimensions of alignment tab 2910, deviceportion 2970, and/or tail portion 2990, without cutting adhesive releaseliner 2740 and/or pull tab 2750. In some embodiments, excess materialfrom the layers for protective film 2920 and overlay 2930 can beremoved. In various embodiments, the kiss cutting of device portion2970, alignment tab 2910, and tail portion 2990 to size at the layers ofprotective film 2920 and overlay 2930 can include cutting speaker slot2723, button slot 2724, and other slots, as described above, and/orcutting alignment mechanism 2915. The kiss cutting can also includecutting an interface slit 2960 between alignment tab 2910 and deviceportion 2970, and/or cutting a tail slit 2991 between device portion2970 and tail portion 2990, such that the kiss cutting is through thelayers of protective film 2920 and overlay 2930, but not throughadhesive release liner 2740. As a result of the kiss cut, the dimensionsof device portion 2970 at overlay 2930 and protective film 2920 can beapproximately equal or similar to the dimensions of the screen of thedevice.

As shown in FIG. 30, in a number of embodiments, after kiss cuttingalignment tab 2910, device portion 2970, and tail portion 2990 to sizeat the layers of protective film 2920 and overlay 2930, and cuttinginterface slit 2960 and tail slit 2991, construction of overlayapplicator 3000 can include adhering a joining sticker 3080 on top ofthe layer of protective film 2920 to span interface slit 2960 and joindevice portion 2970 of protective film 2920 with the top layer ofalignment tab 2910, as shown in FIG. 30. Joining sticker 3080 can helpmaintain alignment between alignment tab 2910 and device portion 2970,which can advantageously maintain alignment during application ofoverlay 2930. In many embodiments, joining sticker 3080 does not stretchor distort, which can advantageously facilitate alignment of alignmentmechanism 2915 with overlay 2930, such that overlay 2930 can beaccurately positioned on the screen of the device.

In certain embodiments, after joining sticker 3080 has been attachedbetween alignment tab 2910 and device portion 2970, pull tab 2750 can befolded back, such that second side 2758 is folded beneath adhesiverelease liner 2740 to first side 2759. Pull tab 2750 and adhesiverelease liner 2740 can be peeled back off of at least a portion ofalignment tab 2910, such that alignment mechanism 2915 is uncovered byadhesive release liner 2740, allowing alignment mechanism to engage withan alignment base, such as alignment base 212 (FIG. 2) or alignment base312 (FIG. 3), alignment base 835 (FIGS. 8-9, 13-14), alignment base 1632(FIGS. 16-19), alignment base 2035 (FIG. 20) and/or alignment base 3112(FIG. 31, described below). The process of kiss cutting the layers atprotective film 2920 and overlay 2930 can advantageously provide asimpler method of constructing overlay applicator 3000, and/or canprovide overlay applicator 3000 with a very accurate alignment ofalignment mechanism 2915 with respect to overlay 2930 and its features.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view ofa cradle 3100 that can be used with an overlay applicator, such asoverlay applicator 3000 (FIG. 30), to apply an overlay, such as overlay2930 (FIGS. 29-30), to a device. FIG. 32 illustrates a top view ofcradle 3100 being used with overlay applicator 3000. FIG. 33 illustratesa side view of cradle 3100 being used with overlay applicator 3000. FIG.34 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of cradle 3100 being usedwith overlay applicator 3000 and a device. Cradle 3100 is merelyexemplary and embodiments of the cradle are not limited to embodimentspresented herein. The cradle can be employed in many differentembodiments or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.In many embodiments, cradle 3100 can include an alignment base 3112,which can engage with alignment mechanism 2915, as shown in FIG. 32. Insome embodiments, alignment base 3112 can be one or more protrusionsthat can fit inside the one or more slots of alignment mechanism 2915.Alignment base 3112 and alignment mechanism 2915 can be configured andpositioned such that when alignment mechanism 2915 is engaged withalignment base 3112, overlay 2930 (FIGS. 29-30) can be positioneddirectly above the screen of the device held by cradle 3100, and alignedsuch that overlay 2930 (FIGS. 29-30) will be adhered in an accurateposition on the screen when adhesive release liner 2740 is removed, asdescribed below.

In many embodiments, cradle 3100 can include a bottom frame 3110, sideframes 3120, corner frames 3130, and/or an end frame 3140. Side frames3120, corner frames 3130, and/or end frame 3140 can provide a deviceslot 3111 for a device by partially or fully providing support along thesides and/or ends of the device, and can be positioned so as to providea snug fit for the device to prevent movement of the device with respectto other portions of cradle 3100.

In certain embodiments, corner frames 3130 can provide a corner supportfor the device, and can be attached to bottom frame 3110. In manyembodiments, each corner frame 3130 can include a corner end 3132 thatcan be configured to extend around an end of the device, and can providea corner slot 3131 between corner end 3132 and bottom frame 3110. Cornerslots 3131 can allow overlay applicator 3000 to extend under and besecured by corner end 3132, as shown in FIGS. 32-33.

In a number of embodiments, end frame 3140 can provide corner supportsfor the device, and can be attached to bottom frame 3110 at end frameattachments 3143. In some embodiments, end frame 3140 can include an endbar 3142, which can provide an end slot 3141 between end bar 3142 andbottom frame 3110. End slot 3141 can allow overlay applicator to 3000 toextend under and be secured by end bar 3142, as shown in FIGS. 32-33. Ina number of embodiments, end frame attachments 3143 can provide sidesupports for overlay applicator 3000, which can help to keep overlayapplicator 3000 within end slot 3141 and properly aligned with respectto the device held by cradle 3100.

In some embodiments, cradle 3100 can include a central support 3150,which can be positioned between the sides of cradle 3100 and can extendfrom one end to the other end of the device when the device is held bycradle 3100 in device slot 3111. Central support 3150 can be made offoam or an elastomeric material. Central support 3150 can providesupport for overlay applicator 3000 and press overlay 2930 (FIGS. 29-30)against the screen of the device as adhesive release liner 2740 (FIGS.27-30) is peeled away from overlay 2930 (FIGS. 29-30), as describedbelow.

As shown in FIGS. 32-33, overlay applicator 3000 can be placed on cradle3100 such that alignment base 3112 can engage with alignment mechanism2915. Overlay applicator 3000 can extend through corner slots 3131 andend slot 3141. Overlay applicator 3000 can be positioned on cradle 3100such that protective film 2920 is placed against central support 3150,and adhesive release liner 2740 (FIGS. 27-30) and pull tab 2750 areabove protective film 2920. Pull tab 2750 can be folded back acrossadhesive release liner 2740 (FIGS. 27-30), such that alignment tab 2910is partially or fully uncovered and wiper 2857 is face up. When overlayapplicator 3000 is placed on cradle 3100, central support 3150 (FIG. 31)can support overlay applicator 3000 above bottom frame 3110 of cradle3100. Joining sticker 3080 can be positioned near the region of cornerslots 3131. Device portion 2970 can be positioned between corner frames3130 and end frame 3140, and tail portion 2990 can extend through, besupported within, and/or be positioned within end slot 3141. In a numberof embodiments, pull tab 2750 can extend past the end of tail portion2990, which can allow a user to pull on pull tab 2750 to remove adhesiverelease liner 2740 (FIGS. 27-30).

As shown in the cross-section cut-out in FIG. 34, after overlapapplicator 3000 is placed on cradle 3100, a device, such as device 3401,can be placed on overlay applicator 3000 within slot 3111 of cradle3100, with the screen of device 3401 facing downward against pull tab2750. Device 3401 can be cradled within slot 3111. As shown in FIG. 34,central support 3150 can support overlay applicator 3000 above bottomframe 3110 of cradle 3100. Side frames 3120 can each include a bevelededge 3421, which can support device 3401 above bottom frame 3110. Theinner width between each of side frames 3120 be wider than overlayapplicator 3000, as shown in FIG. 34, but can be narrower than the widthof device 3401.

After device 3401 is secured within slot 3111 above overlay applicator3000, as shown in FIG. 34, pull tab 2750 can be pulled to pull wiper2857 (FIG. 28-30) across the screen of device 3401 and to removeadhesive release liner 2740 (FIGS. 27-30). Central support 3150 canprovide pressure against protective film 2920 (FIGS. 29-30) to presswiper 2857 against the screen of device 3401 as it is wiped across thescreen of device 3401. As adhesive release liner 2740 (FIGS. 27-30) ispulled, it can be folded across itself, can move along the screen ofdevice 3401, and can expose the adhesive on overlay 2930 (FIGS. 29-30)to the screen of device 3401. Central support 3150 can be depressedslightly as the fold in adhesive release liner 2740 (FIGS. 27-30) movesfrom one end to the other end of device 3401, and can rebound to providepressure against protective film 2920 (FIGS. 29-30) to press the overlay2930 (FIGS. 29-30) against the screen of device 3401 as it is exposed.Central support 3150 can advantageously allow the center of overlay 2930(FIGS. 29-30) to be adhered and can facilitate removing any air bubblesat the center of overlay 2930 (FIGS. 29-30). Beginning the adhesion ofoverlay 2930 (FIGS. 29-30) to device 3401 at the center canadvantageously allow the remainder of overlay 2930 (FIGS. 29-30) to beaccurately adhered to the screen of device 3401 without wrinkles and/orwith minimal or no bubbles.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 35 illustrates a perspective view ofa machine 3500 that can be used with an overlay applicator 3550 to applyan overlay to a device. FIG. 36 illustrates a perspective view ofmachine 3500 with the slider being used to apply pressure to theoverlay. Machine 3500 is merely exemplary and embodiments of the machineare not limited to embodiments presented herein. The machine can beemployed in many different embodiments or examples not specificallydepicted or described herein. Overlay applicator 3550 is merelyexemplary and embodiments of the overlay applicator are not limited toembodiments presented herein. The overlay applicator can be employed inmany different embodiment or examples not specifically depicted ordescribed herein. Overlay applicator 3550 can be similar to overlayapplicator 100 (FIG. 1), overlay applicator 400 (FIGS. 4-5), overlayapplicator 600 (FIG. 6), overlay applicator 700 (FIG. 7), overlayapplicator 1500 (FIG. 15), and/or overlay applicator 3000 (FIG. 30), andvarious components and/or constructions of overlay applicator 3550 canbe substantially identical or similar to various components of overlayapplicator 100 (FIG. 1), overlay applicator 400 (FIGS. 4-5), overlayapplicator 600 (FIG. 6), overlay applicator 700 (FIG. 7), overlayapplicator 1500 (FIG. 15), and/or overlay applicator 3000 (FIG. 30).

In some embodiments, overlay applicator 3550 can include an adhesiverelease liner (not shown), a pull tab 3555, an overlay (not shown),and/or a protective film 3552. In some embodiments, pull tab 3555 can beintegral with the adhesive release liner and can be a single layer ofmaterial, such as plastic, paper, or another suitable liner film. Pulltab 3555 can facilitate removal of the adhesive release liner from theoverlay. In a number of embodiments, overlay applicator 3550 can includealignment tabs 3556. Alignment tabs 3556 can be located at each end ofoverlay applicator 3550 and/or can be located at each end of a deviceportion 3560 of overlay applicator 3550. Device portion 3560 can besimilar to device portion 470 (FIGS. 4-5), device portion 670 (FIG. 6),and/or device portion 2970 (FIGS. 29-30). In some embodiments, deviceportion 3560 and alignment tabs 3556 can be made of the layers used forprotective film 3552, the overlay, and/or the adhesive release liner.Each of alignment tabs 3556 can include an alignment mechanism 3557,which can be similar to alignment mechanism 115 (FIG. 1), alignmentmechanism 415 (FIGS. 4-5), alignment mechanism 615 (FIG. 6), and/oralignment mechanism 2915 (FIGS. 29-30), and which can facilitatealigning alignment tab 3556, protective film 3552, the overlay, and theadhesive release liner with various features of the device duringapplication of the overlay.

Protective film 3552 and the overlay can be kiss cut to predetermineddimensions of alignment tabs 3556 and device portion 3560, withoutcutting the adhesive release liner and/or pull tab 3555. In someembodiments, excess material from the layers for protective film 3552and the overlay can be removed. In some embodiments, the kiss cutting ofdevice portion 3560 and alignment tabs 3556 to size at the layers ofprotective film 3552 and the overlay can include cutting speaker slots,button slots, and/or other slots, as described above, and/or cuttingalignment mechanism 3557. The kiss cutting can also include cuttinginterface slits 3558 between alignment tabs 3556 and device portion3560, such that the cutting is through the layers of protective film3552 and the overlay, but not the adhesive release liner. As a result ofthe kiss cut, the dimensions of device portion 3560 at the overlay andprotective film 3552 can be approximately equal or similar to thedimensions of the screen of the device.

In a number of embodiments, after the kiss cutting, construction ofoverlay applicator 3550 can include adhering joining stickers 3559 onthe top the layer of protective film 3552 to span interface slits 3558and join device portion 3560 of protective film 3552 with the top layerof alignment tabs 3556, as shown in FIG. 35. Joining stickers 3559 canhelp maintain alignment between alignment tabs 3556 and device portion3560, which can advantageously maintain alignment during application ofthe overlay. In many embodiments, joining stickers 3559 does not stretchor distort, which can advantageously facilitate alignment of alignmentmechanisms 3557 with the overlay, such that the overlay can beaccurately positioned on the screen of the device. In certainembodiments, after joining stickers 3559 have been attached betweenalignment tabs 3556 and device portion 3560, pull tab 3555 can be foldedback beneath the adhesive release liner, as described above in otherembodiments.

In many embodiments, machine 3500 can include a base 3510, a cradle3520, and a slider 3530. Base 3510 can extend from a first end 3511 to asecond end 3512. In some embodiments, base 3510 can be used withmultiple different cradles, which can be used for different devices.Cradle 3520 can include a recess 3521 in which a device can be placedwith screen facing upwards. Recess 3521 can have sides and a bottom, andcradle 3520 can have a thickness greater than the thickness of thedevice. In many embodiments, recess 3521 is conformal with the device.

In some embodiments, base 3510 can include an alignment base 3514. Inmany embodiments, alignment base 3514 can be one or more protrusionsthat can secure overlay applicator to base 3510, such as by engagingwith alignment mechanisms 3557. In some embodiments, such as shown inFIGS. 35-36, alignment base 3514 can be located on base 3510 beyond theeach end of cradle 3520. In other embodiments, alignment base 3514 canbe located on cradle 3520, such as at each end of cradle 3520. In anumber of embodiments, the lines of support between each side ofalignment base 3514 can be in line with and within overlay applicator3550. Alignment base 3514 and alignment mechanism 3557 can be configuredand positioned such that when alignment mechanism 3557 is engaged withalignment base 3514, the overlay can be positioned directly above thescreen of the device. In a number of embodiments, alignment base 3514can be configured to secure overlay applicator 3550 slightly above thescreen of the device.

In a number of embodiments, base 3510 can include a pull slot 3515. Inmany embodiments, pull slot 3515 is below one side of alignment base3514. In many embodiments, pull tab 3555 can be inserted through pullslot 3515, which can allow pull tab 3555 to be pulled while overlayapplicator 3550 is secured on alignment base 3514.

In some embodiments, overlay applicator 3550 can include a wiper (notshown), which can be similar to wiper 157 (FIG. 1), wiper 457 (FIGS.4-5), wiper 657 (FIG. 6), wiper 757 (FIG. 7), and/or wiper 2857 (FIG.28). The wiper can remove dust from the screen of the device. In otherembodiments, after inserting the device in cradle 3520, a cloth (notshown), such as a microfiber cloth or another suitable cleaning cloth,which can have dimensions similar to pull tab 3555, can be draped acrossthe screen of the device between the screen of the device and overlayapplicator 3550. One end of the cloth can be inserted through pull slot3515. In some embodiments, pull tab 3555 and the cloth can be insertedtogether through pull slot 3515, and as pull tab 3555 and the cloth arepulled, the cloth can remove dust from the screen of the device.

In many embodiments, pull tab 3555 can be pulled through pull slot 3515,and, in certain embodiments, along with a wiper, cloth, or sticker toclean the screen of the device, and the adhesive release liner can beremoved to expose the adhesive on the overlay. In a number ofembodiments, after the adhesive release liner is removed and theadhesive of the overlay is exposed, the overlay can be secured slightlyabove the screen of the device, such that adhesion between the overlayand the screen of the device does not occur. In other embodiments, theoverlay can be secured at the screen of the device, such that adhesioncan begin to occur upon removal of the adhesive release liner.

In some embodiments, base can include a track 3513 on each side, whichcan allow slider 3530 to move between first end 3511 to second end 3512.In many embodiments, slider 3530 can include slider side supports 3531.In a number of embodiments, slider side supports 3531 can include pins(not shown) that can engage in tracks 3513 and allow slider sidesupports 3531 to slide along tracks 3513. Slider side supports 3531 canbe connected and/or held within tracks 3513 by a slider cross support3532. In some embodiments, slider 3530 can include a handle 3533, whichcan be used to move slider 3530 back and forth between first end 3511and second end 3512. Slider 3530 can include a pressure bar support 3534on each side of a pressure bar 3535. Pressure bar supports 3534 can bespring loaded or elastically attached to slider cross support 3532and/or slider side supports 3531 such that pressure bar 3535 can providedownward pressure. In various embodiments, base 3510 can include cams3516 in the regions near alignment base 3514, which can raise pressurebar 3535 such that slider 3530 can move back and forth from first side3511 to second side 3512 without interference from alignment base 3514.

In many embodiments, after pull tab 3555 is pulled and the adhesiverelease liner is partially or fully removed from the overlay, slider3530 can be moved from first side 3511 partially or fully toward secondside 3512 such that pressure bar 3535 provides downward pressure onprotective film 3552 to adhere the overlay to the screen of the device,as shown in FIG. 36. Pressure bar 3535 can provide sufficient pressureto prevent and/or remove any air bubbles. In a number of embodiments,pressure bar 3535 can be a roller. In other embodiments, pressure bar3535 can be a fixed bar that slides along the top of overlay applicator3550. Machine 3500 can thus advantageously be used to accurately alignthe overlay on the screen of the device without dust or air bubbles.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 37 illustrates a system 3700 forusing an overlay applicator, such as overlay applicator 700 (FIG. 7), toapply an overlay, such as overlay 730 (FIG. 7), to a device. System 3700is merely exemplary and embodiments of the system are not limited toembodiments presented herein. The system can be employed in manydifferent embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or describedherein. System 3700 can include overlay applicator 700, a cradle 3710, adevice 3720 (e.g., a smart phone), a cradle frame 3730, and a machine3740. Cradle 3710 can be similar to cradle 310 (FIG. 3), and variouscomponents and/or constructions of cradle 3710 can be substantiallyidentical or similar to various components of cradle 300 (FIG. 3).

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 38 illustrates a top side view ofcradle 3710. Cradle 3710 is merely exemplary and embodiments of thecradle are not limited to embodiments presented herein. The cradle canbe employed in many different embodiments or examples not specificallydepicted or described herein. Cradle 3710 can include a slot 3811 inwhich device 3720 (FIG. 37) can be placed with the screen of device 3720(FIG. 37) facing upwards. In some embodiments, slot 3811 is conformalwith device 3720 (FIG. 37). Slot 3811 can have sides 3812 and a bottom3813. Cradle 3710 can have a thickness greater than the thickness ofdevice 3720 (FIG. 37). In many embodiments, cradle 3710 can include analignment base 3814, which can engage with alignment mechanism 715 (FIG.7). In some embodiments, alignment base 3814 can be one or moreprotrusions that can fit inside the one or more slots of alignmentmechanism 715 (FIG. 7). For example, as shown in FIG. 7, alignmentmechanism 715 (FIG. 7) can include six holes spaced relatively evenlyaround alignment frame 710 (FIG. 7). Alignment base 3814 can include sixprotrusions configured to engage with the six holes of alignmentmechanism 715 (FIG. 7). In some embodiments, the protrusions ofalignment base 3814 can be spring loaded. Alignment base 3814 andalignment mechanism 715 (FIG. 7) can be configured and positioned suchthat when alignment mechanism 715 (FIG. 7) is engaged with alignmentbase 3814, overlay 730 (FIG. 7) can be positioned directly above thescreen of device 3720 (FIG. 37) in slot 3811, and aligned such thatoverlay 730 (FIG. 7) will be adhered in an accurate position on thescreen when adhesive release liner 740 (FIG. 7) is removed. In certainembodiments, cradle 3710 can include a bottom aperture 3815, which canfacilitate removal of device 3720 (FIG. 37) from cradle 3710.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 39 illustrates a top side view ofcradle frame 3730. FIG. 40 illustrates a bottom side view of cradleframe 3730. Cradle frame 3730 is merely exemplary and embodiments of thecradle frame are not limited to embodiments presented herein. The cradleframe can be employed in many different embodiments or examples notspecifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, cradleframe 3730 can include side frames 3910, which can include alignmentholes 3911 that can engage with alignment base 3814 (FIG. 38). Cradleframe 3730 can include a bottom plate 3912, which can be bent at acrease 3913 midway between the two sides and extending partially orfully from one end to the other end of cradle frame 3730. Bottom plate3912 can be made of a flexible or semi-flexible plastic. In variousembodiments, the bend in bottom plate 3912 at crease 3913 can bemaintained by end caps 3914, which can be centered at each end of cradleframe 3730. End caps 3914 can be made of a rigid material, such as arigid metal or polycarbonate (PC). In many embodiments, cradle frame3730 can include end frames 3915 extending at each end of cradle frame3730 between side frames 3910. In certain embodiments, end frame 3915can be less thick than side frames 3710, which can allow flexibility forbottom plate 3912 to be depressed and semi-flexibly bent downward, suchas in the region of crease 3913. In a number of embodiments, cradleframe 3730 can include a recess 3916 between side frames 3910 and endframes 3915, and bounded at the bottom by bottom plate 3912. Recess 3916can have dimensions substantially similar to overlay 730 (FIG. 7) and/orthe screen of device 3720 (FIG. 37).

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 41 illustrates a left side view ofmachine 3740 with the arm in a raised configuration. Machine 3740 ismerely exemplary and embodiments of the machine are not limited toembodiments presented herein. The machine can be employed in manydifferent embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or describedherein. In many embodiments, machine 3740 can include a base 4110, acradle support 4120, a stand 4130, a hinge assembly 3740, and an arm4150. In many embodiments, base 4110 can provide a sturdy support basefor machine 3740. In certain embodiments, base 4110 can include feet4111 made from an elastomeric material for non-slip, cushioned, and/orbalanced support. In some embodiments, cradle support 4120 can be arecess in base 4110, as shown in FIG. 41. Cradle support 4120 can beconfigured to hold a cradle, such as cradle 3710 (FIGS. 37-38). Cradlesupport 4120 can be used with various different cradles, which can beconfigured for different devices.

In many embodiments, stand 4130 can provide support for arm 4150. Incertain embodiments, stand 4130 can extend upright from base 4110, and,in some embodiments, can be substantially perpendicular to base 4110.Stand 4130 can be connected to arm 4150 at hinge assembly 4140. In manyembodiments, hinge assembly 4140 can include a hinge axis 4141. In someembodiments, hinge assembly 4140 can include a hinge track 4142 to allowarm 4150 to move along a predetermined arc. In a number of embodiments,hinge assembly 4140 can include a hinge clamp 4143, which can allow arm4150 to be secured at desired and/or predetermined positions. Forexample, arm 4150 can be raised to a raised configuration, as shown inFIG. 41, or lowered to a lowered position, as shown in FIG. 44,described below. When arm 4150 is raised, cradle 3710 (FIGS. 37-38) canbe inserted or removed from cradle support 4120. When arm 4150 islowered, overlay applicator 700 (FIGS. 7, 37) can be used apply overlay730 (FIG. 7), as described below. In some embodiments, stand 4130 caninclude a positioning piece 4131, which can prevent arm 4150 fromlowering below a predetermined position.

In certain embodiments, arm 4150 can include a handle 4154, which can beused to assist in raising and/or lowering arm 4150 when hinge assembly4140 is unclamped. In some embodiments, arm 4150 can include anexpandable bladder 4151, such as an air bladder. In many embodiments,expandable bladder 4151 can be connected to a pumping mechanism 4152,which can fill expandable bladder 4151 with air, as shown in FIG. 44,described below. In certain embodiments, expandable bladder 4151 and/orpumping mechanism 4152 can be a part of a portable (e.g., batterypowered) blood pressure monitor and cuff, which can include amicroprocessor and a start/stop button 4153 to initiate or terminate theinflation and/or deflation of expandable bladder 4151 with air.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIGS. 42-45 illustrate using system 3700with machine 3740, cradle 3710, overlay applicator 700, and cradle frame3730 to apply overlay 730 (FIG. 7) to device 3720. FIG. 42 illustratesmachine 3740, cradle frame 3730, device 3720 located in cradle 3710, andoverlay applicator 700 located on cradle 3710 above device 3720. In manyembodiments, device 3720 can be placed in slot 3811 in cradle 3710 withthe screen facing upwards, as shown in FIG. 42. After placing device3720 in cradle 3710, overlay applicator 700 can be placed on cradle 3710above device 3720 (FIG. 37), with protective film 720 facing up andabove overlay 730 (FIG. 7), adhesive release liner 740 (FIG. 7), andpull tab 750. In many embodiments, pull tab 750 and wiper 757 can befacing downward, and resting upon or proximate to the screen of device3720 (FIG. 37). In some embodiments, overlay applicator 700 can besecured to cradle 3710 by alignment base 3814 engaging with alignmentmechanism 715.

FIG. 43 illustrates cradle 3710 located in cradle support 4120 ofmachine 3740, with cradle frame 3730 upon cradle 3710. Cradle frame 3730can be placed upon cradle 3710 above overlay applicator 700 and device3720 (FIG. 37). In some embodiments, bottom plate 3912 (FIGS. 39-40) canprotrude slightly downward toward overlay applicator 700. In variousembodiments, alignment holes 3911 (FIGS. 39-40) can engage withalignment base 3814 (FIG. 38) to secure cradle frame 3730 to cradle3710. Cradle 3710, along with device 3720 (FIG. 37), overlay applicator700, and cradle frame 3730, as assembled as described above, can beplaced in cradle support 4120 of machine 3740. In many embodiments, arm4150 of machine 3740 can be in a raised position to facilitate insertionof cradle 3710 in cradle support 4120.

FIG. 44 illustrates machine 3740 with arm 4150 in a lowered position andexpandable bladder 4151 filled, and with pull tab 750 and adhesiverelease liner 740 removed. In many embodiments, arm 3850 can be loweredto a lowered position, as shown in FIG. 44. In many embodiments, hingeclamp 4143 can be disengaged to allow arm 4150 to rotate along hingetrack 4142 around hinge axis 4141 to the lowered position, and thenreengaged at the lowered position. In several embodiments, handle 4154can be used to assist lowering arm 4150. In various embodiments when arm4150 is in a lowered position, expandable bladder 4151 can rest uponcradle frame 3730, and, in some embodiments, can rest within recess 3916(FIG. 39).

In some embodiments, pull tab 750 can be pulled to remove adhesiverelease liner 740 from the adhesive side of overlay 730 (FIG. 7). Inmany embodiments, as pull tab 750 is pulled, wiper 757 can wipe acrossthe screen of device 3720 (FIG. 37) to remove any dust. In someembodiments, bottom plate 3912 (FIG. 39) of cradle frame 3730 can bepositioned so as to provide enough pressure on wiper 757 such that wiper757 can stay in contact with the screen of device 3720 (FIG. 37) andeffectively clean off any dust. In many embodiments, after pull tab 750has been pulled out and adhesive release liner 740 has been removed fromcovering overlay 730 (FIG. 7), overlay 730 (FIG. 7) can be secured suchthat it remains above and does not adhere to the screen of device 3720(FIG. 37).

In many embodiments, pumping mechanism 4152 can be activated to fillexpandable bladder 4151. In many embodiments, start/stop button 4153 canbe activated to fill expandable bladder 4151 with air. As shown in FIG.44, expandable bladder 4151 can expand as it fills with air. In someembodiments, the expansion of expandable bladder 4151 can providedownward force on bottom plate 3912 (FIG. 39). Crease 3913 (FIG. 39) canpush down on overlay applicator 700 (FIG. 7) such that overlay 730 (FIG.7) can begin to adhere to the screen of device 3720 (FIG. 37) along thecenter line between the sides of device 3720 (FIG. 37). As expandablebladder 4151 continues to inflate, other regions of bottom plate 3912(FIG. 39) can press down on overlay 730 (FIG. 7), extending outward fromthe center. Beginning the adhesion of overlay 730 (FIG. 7) to device3720 (FIG. 37) at the center of device 3720 (FIG. 37) can advantageouslyallow the remainder of overlay 730 (FIG. 7) to be accurately adhered tothe screen of device 3720 (FIG. 37) without wrinkles and/or with minimalor no bubbles.

FIG. 45 illustrates machine 3740 with arm 4150 in a raised position,with cradle 3710 removed from cradle support 4120, with cradle frame3730 removed off of cradle 3710, and with pull tab 750 and adhesiverelease liner 740 removed. In many embodiments, pumping mechanism 4152can be deactivated to stop the inflation of expandable bladder 4151and/or to begin the deflation of expandable bladder 4151. In manyembodiments, start/stop button 4153 can be deactivated to deflateexpandable bladder 4151. In other embodiments, pumping mechanism 4152can be pre-programmed to stop the inflation of expandable bladder 4151and to begin the deflation of expandable bladder 4151 after expandablebladder reaches a predetermined level of inflation.

In several embodiments, arm 4150 can be raised to a raised position. Inmany embodiments, hinge clamp 4143 can be disengaged to allow arm 4150to rotate along hinge track 4142 around hinge axis 4141 to the raisedposition, and then reengaged at the raised position. In manyembodiments, handle 4154 can help facilitate moving arm 4150. Arm 4150of machine 3740 can be in a raised position to facilitate removal ofcradle 3710 from cradle support 3720 of machine 3740.

In a number of embodiments, cradle 3710 can be removed, along withdevice 3720, overlay applicator 700 (FIG. 7), and cradle frame 3730 fromcradle support 4120 of machine 3740. In several embodiments, cradleframe 3730 can next be removed from cradle 3710 to uncover protectivefilm 720 and alignment frame 710, which in many embodiments can beintegral with protective film 720, as described above. In someembodiments, device 3720, along with the protective film 720, alignmentframe 710, and overlay 730, can be removed from cradle 3710. In manyembodiments, removal of device 3720 can be accomplished by manuallyreaching through bottom aperture 3815 (FIG. 38) of cradle 3710 to pushupward on device 3720. In a number of embodiments, alignment frame 710and protective film 720 can be peeled away from overlay 730, which isadhered to device 3720. After alignment frame 710 and protective film720 have been peeled away from overlay 730, application of overlay 730to the screen of device 3720 can be complete.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 46 illustrates a perspective view ofa machine 4600 in a closed configuration. FIG. 47 illustrates aperspective view of machine 4600 in an open configuration. Machine 4600can be used with an overlay applicator to apply an overlay to a device.Machine 4600 is merely exemplary and embodiments of the machine are notlimited to the embodiments presented herein. The machine can be employedin many different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted ordescribed herein. In various embodiments, machine 4600 can include abase 4610, a cradle support 4620, a cradle 4630, a hinge assembly 4640,an arm 4650.

In many embodiments, base 4610 can provide a sturdy support base formachine 4600. In some embodiments, cradle support 4620 can be a recessin base 4610. In a number of embodiments, base 4610 can include anindented region 4611, which can extend partially along a side of base4610 and/or cradle support 4620, and which can facilitate removal ofcradle 4630 from cradle support 4620. Cradle support 4620 can beconfigured to hold a cradle, such as cradle 4630. In variousembodiments, cradle support 4620 can be used interchangeably withvarious different cradles, such as cradles configured for variousdifferent devices.

Cradle 4630 can be similar to cradle 3710 (FIGS. 37-38), and variouscomponents and/or constructions of cradle 4630 can be substantiallyidentical or similar to various components of cradle 3710 (FIGS. 37-38).Cradle 4630 can be configured to be used with an overlay applicator,such as overlay applicator 700 (FIG. 7). As shown in FIG. 47, cradle4630 can include a slot 4731 in which a device can be placed with thescreen of the device facing upwards. In some embodiments, slot 4731 canbe conformal with the device. Cradle 4630 can have a thickness greaterthan the thickness of the device. In many embodiments, cradle 4630 caninclude an alignment base 4734, which can engage with an alignmentmechanism, such as alignment mechanism 715 (FIG. 7), of an overlayapplicator, such as overlay applicator 700 (FIG. 7). In someembodiments, alignment base 4734 can be one or more protrusions that canfit inside the one or more slots of alignment mechanism 715 (FIG. 7).For example, as shown in FIG. 7, alignment mechanism 715 (FIG. 7) caninclude six holes spaced relatively evenly around alignment frame 710(FIG. 7). Alignment base 4734 can include six protrusions configured toengage with the six holes of alignment mechanism 715 (FIG. 7). In someembodiments, the protrusions of alignment base 4734 can be springloaded. Alignment base 4734 and alignment mechanism 715 (FIG. 7) can beconfigured and positioned such that when alignment mechanism 715 (FIG.7) is engaged with alignment base 4734, overlay 730 (FIG. 7) can bepositioned directly above the screen of the device in slot 4731, andaligned such that overlay 730 (FIG. 7) will be adhered in an correctposition on the screen when adhesive release liner 740 (FIG. 7) isremoved. In certain embodiments, cradle 4630 can include a bottomaperture 4735, which can facilitate removal of the device from cradle4630.

In many embodiments, base 4610 can be connected to arm 4650 at hingeassembly 4640. In many embodiments, hinge assembly 4640 can allow arm4650 to rotate relative to base 4610. In some embodiments, hingeassembly 4640 can lock in two positions, which can allow arm to be heldat a raised position and at a lowered position. Hinge assembly 4640 caninclude a hinge axle 4641, which can connect a hinge central member 4642to side supports 4643 through a hinge axis of rotation. In severalembodiments, hinge side supports 4643 can include notches 4644, andhinge central member 4642 can include a locking rod 4645, which canengage in notches 4644 to lock hinge assembly 4640 such that arm 4650can be held at a raised position and/or at a lowered position. In manyembodiments, locking rod 4645 can have a spring-loaded bias to remain innotches 4644. Arm 4650 can be raised to a raised configuration, as shownin FIG. 47, or lowered to a lowered position, as shown in FIG. 46. Whenarm 4650 is raised, cradle 4630 can be inserted or removed from cradlesupport 4620. When arm 4650 is lowered, overlay applicator 700 (FIG. 7)can be used apply overlay 730 (FIG. 7), as described below.

In certain embodiments, arm 4650 can include a handle 4654, which can beused to assist in raising and/or lowering arm 4650 with respect to base4610 about hinge assembly 4640. In some embodiments, arm 4650 caninclude an expandable bladder 4651, such as an air bladder. In manyembodiments, expandable bladder 4651 can be connected to a pumpingmechanism 4652, which can fill expandable bladder 4651 with air. Pumpingmechanism 4652 can be similar or identical to pumping mechanism 4152(FIG. 41), and/or expandable bladder 4651 can be similar or identical toexpandable bladder 4151 (FIG. 41). In certain embodiments, expandablebladder 4651 and/or pumping mechanism 4652 can be a part of a portable(e.g., battery powered) blood pressure monitor and cuff, which caninclude a microprocessor and a start/stop button 4653 to initiate orterminate the inflation and/or deflation of expandable bladder 4651 withair.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIGS. 48-50 illustrate using machine 4600to apply overlay 730 (FIG. 7) to the screen of a device. FIG. 48illustrates a perspective view of a machine 4600 in an openconfiguration, with a device in cradle 4630, and an overlay applicator700 above the device on cradle 4630. As shown in FIG. 48, a device 4800can be placed in slot 4731 (FIG. 47) of cradle 4630 with the screen ofdevice 4800 facing upwards. In some embodiments, cradle 4630 can beplaced in cradle support 4620 (FIGS. 46-47) prior to inserting device4800 in cradle 4630. In other embodiments, cradle 4630 can be placed incradle support 4620 (FIGS. 46-47) after inserting device 4800 in cradle4630. In many embodiments, arm 4650 of machine 4600 can be in a raisedposition to facilitate insertion of cradle 4630 in cradle support 4620(FIGS. 46-47) and/or insertion of device 4800 in cradle 4630.

In a number of embodiments, overlay applicator 700 can be placed oncradle 4630 above device 4800, with protective film 720 facing up andabove overlay 730 (FIG. 7), adhesive release liner 740 (FIG. 7), andpull tab 750. In many embodiments, pull tab 750 and wiper 757 (FIG. 7)can be facing downward, and resting upon or proximate to the screen ofdevice 4800. In some embodiments, overlay applicator 700 can be securedto cradle 4630 by alignment base 4734 engaging with alignment mechanism715.

FIG. 49 illustrates a perspective view of a machine 4600 in a closedconfiguration, with pull tab 750 of overlay applicator 700 being pulled.In several embodiments, arm 4650 can next be lowered to a loweredposition, as shown in FIG. 49. In many embodiments, hinge central member4642 can rotate with respect to hinge side supports 4643, and lockingrod 4645 (FIGS. 46-47) can disengage with one or more of notches 4644(FIGS. 46-47) and reengage with a different one or more of notches 4644(FIGS. 46-47). In various embodiments when arm 4650 is in a loweredposition, expandable bladder 4651 can rest upon overlay applicator 700.

In several embodiments, pull tab 750 can be pulled to remove adhesiverelease liner 740 (FIG. 7) from the adhesive side of overlay 730 (FIG.7). In many embodiments, as pull tab 750 is pulled, wiper 757 (FIG. 7)can wipe across the screen of device 4800 (FIG. 48) to remove any dustfrom the screen of device 4800 (FIG. 48). In many embodiments, afterpull tab 750 has been pulled out and adhesive release liner 740 (FIG. 7)has been removed from covering overlay 730 (FIG. 7), overlay 730 (FIG.7) can be secured such that it remains above and does not adhere to thescreen of device 4800 (FIG. 48). In some embodiments, pulling on pulltab 750 to remove adhesive release liner 740 (FIG. 7) from the adhesiveside of overlay 730 (FIG. 7) can occur before lowing arm 4650 to alowered position.

In some embodiments, pumping mechanism 4652 can next be activated tofill expandable bladder 4651. In many embodiments, start/stop button4653 can be activated to fill expandable bladder 4651 with air.Expandable bladder 4651 can expand as it fills with air. In someembodiments, the expansion of expandable bladder 4651 can providedownward force on protective film 720 (FIG. 7) such that overlay 730(FIG. 7) can begin to adhere to the screen of device 4800 (FIG. 48).Adhering overlay 730 (FIG. 7) to device 4800 (FIG. 48) by applyingpressure with expandable bladder 4651 can advantageously allow theoverlay 730 (FIG. 7) to be accurately adhered to the screen of device4800 (FIG. 48) without wrinkles and/or with minimal or no bubbles. Incertain embodiments, expandable bladder 4651 can be configured to begininflation at the center of expandable bladder 4651 and continueinflating out to the perimeter regions of expandable bladder 4651, whichcan adhere overlay 730 (FIG. 7) beginning at the center of the screen ofdevice 4800 (FIG. 48), and continue the adhesion out to the perimeterregions of the screen of device 4800 (FIG. 48), which can advantageouslycause overlay 730 (FIG. 7) to be adhered to the screen of device 4800(FIG. 48) with minimal or no air bubbles.

In many embodiments, pumping mechanism 4652 can be deactivated to stopthe inflation of expandable bladder 4651 and/or to begin the deflationof expandable bladder 4651. In many embodiments, start/stop button 4653can be pressed to deactivate pumping mechanism 4652 to deflateexpandable bladder 4651. In other embodiments, pumping mechanism 4652can be pre-programmed to stop the inflation of expandable bladder 4651and to begin the deflation of expandable bladder 4651 after expandablebladder reaches a predetermined level of inflation.

FIG. 50 illustrates a perspective view of a machine 4600 in an openconfiguration, with portions of overlay applicator 700 remaining ondevice 4800. In a number of embodiments, arm 4650 can be raised to araised position, as shown in FIG. 50. In many embodiments, hinge centralmember 4642 can rotate with respect to hinge side supports 4643, andlocking rod 4645 (FIGS. 46-47) can disengage with one or more of notches4644 (FIGS. 46-47) and reengage with a different one or more of notches4644 (FIGS. 46-47). In many embodiments, handle 4654 can help facilitatelifting and/or moving arm 4650. Arm 4650 of machine 4600 can be in araised position to facilitate removal of cradle 4630 from cradle support4620, and/or removal of device 4800 from cradle 4630.

In several embodiments, cradle 4630, along with device 4800 and overlayapplicator 700, can next be removed from cradle support 4620 of machine4600. In a number of embodiments, device 4800, along with the protectivefilm 720, alignment frame 710, and overlay 730, can be removed fromcradle 4630. In many embodiments, removal of device 4800 can beaccomplished by manually reaching through bottom aperture 4735 (FIG. 47)of cradle 4630 to push upward on device 4800. In several embodiments,alignment frame 710 and protective film 720, which can be integral, canbe peeled away from overlay 730, which is adhered to device 4800. Afteralignment frame 710 and protective film 720 have been peeled away fromoverlay 730, application of overlay 730 to the screen of device 4800 canbe complete.

Turning ahead in the drawings, FIG. 51 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of a method 5100 of providing an overlay applicator. Method5100 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presentedherein. Method 5100 can be employed in many different embodiments orexamples not specifically depicted or described herein. In someembodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities ofmethod 5100 can be performed in the order presented. In otherembodiments, the procedures, the processes, and/or the activities of themethod 5100 can be performed in any other suitable order. In still otherembodiments, one or more of the procedures, the processes, and/or theactivities in method 5100 can be combined or skipped. In someembodiments, the overlay applicator can be similar or identical tooverlay applicator 3000 (FIG. 30).

Referring to FIG. 51, method 5100 can include a block 5101 of providingan adhesive release liner. In many embodiments, the adhesive releaseliner layer can be similar or identical to adhesive release liner 140(FIG. 1), adhesive release liner 440 (FIGS. 4-5), adhesive release liner640 (FIG. 6), adhesive release liner 740 (FIG. 7); adhesive releaseliner 1540 (FIG. 15), and/or adhesive release liner 2740 (FIGS. 27-30).In a number of embodiments, the adhesive release liner can include a topside and a bottom side.

In some embodiments, method 5100 can include a block 5102 of providing apull tab. In various embodiments, the pull tab can be similar oridentical to pull tab 150 (FIG. 1), pull tab 450 (FIGS. 4-5), pull tab650 (FIG. 6), pull tab 750 (FIG. 7), pull tab 1550 (FIG. 15), and/orpull tab 2750 (FIGS. 27-30). In some embodiments, the pull tab caninclude a top side and a bottom side. In various embodiments, theadhesive release liner can be integral with the pull tab. In a number ofembodiments, method 5100 can include adhering the adhesive release linerto the pull tab.

In a number of embodiments, method 5100 can include a block 5103 ofattaching a wiper to the top side of the pull tab. In severalembodiments, the wiper can be similar or identical to wiper 157 (FIG.1), wiper 457 (FIG. 4), wiper 657 (FIG. 6), wiper 757 (FIG. 7), and/orwiper 2857 (FIGS. 28-30).

In various embodiments, method 5100 can include a block 5104 ofproviding an overlay layer. The overlay layer can be similar oridentical to the layer of material for overlay 2930 (FIGS. 29-30). In anumber of embodiments, the overlay layer can include a top side and abottom side. In some embodiments, the bottom side can include anadhesive agent configured to adhere to the top side of the adhesiverelease liner.

In many embodiments, method 5100 can include a block 5105 of attachingthe bottom side of the overlay layer to the top side of the adhesiverelease liner.

In some embodiments, method 5100 can include a block of 5106 ofproviding a protective film layer. In a number of embodiments, theprotective film layer can be similar or identical to the layer ofmaterial for protective film layer 2920 (FIGS. 29-30). In variousembodiments, the protective film layer can include a top side and abottom side.

In several embodiments, method 5100 can include a block 5107 ofattaching the bottom side of the protective film layer to the top sideof the overlay layer.

In various embodiments, method 5100 can include a block 5108 of cuttingthe protective film layer and the overlay layer to create an interfaceslit between an alignment tab and a device portion, and to create a tailslit between a tail portion and the device portion. In some embodiments,the interface slit can be similar or identical to interface slit 2960(FIGS. 29-30). In a number of embodiments, the tail slit can be similaror identical to tail slit 2991 (FIGS. 29-30). In some embodiments, thealignment tab can be similar or identical to alignment tab 110 (FIG. 1),alignment tab 410 (FIGS. 4-5), alignment tab 610 (FIG. 6), and/oralignment tab 2910 (FIGS. 29-30). In many embodiments, the deviceportion can be similar or identical to device portion 470 (FIGS. 4-5),device portion 670 (FIG. 6), device portion 2970 (FIGS. 29-30), and/ordevice portion 3560 (FIG. 35). In some embodiments, the tail portion canbe similar or identical to tail portion 2990 (FIGS. 29-30). In severalembodiments, the alignment tab can be configured to engage with analignment base to align the overlay with the screen of the device.

In many embodiments, method 5100 can include a block 5109 of attaching asticker to the top side of the protective film. In several embodiments,the sticker can be similar or identical to joining sticker 680 (FIG. 6),joining sticker 3080 (FIG. 30), and/or joining stickers 3559 (FIG. 35).In some embodiments, the sticker can span the interface slit between thedevice portion and the alignment tab. In a number of embodiments, thesticker can include a non-stretching material.

Proceeding to the next drawing, FIG. 52 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of a method 5200 of providing a cradle. Method 5200 is merelyexemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Method5200 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples notspecifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, theprocedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 5200 can beperformed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the procedures,the processes, and/or the activities of the method 5200 can be performedin any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more ofthe procedures, the processes, and/or the activities in method 5200 canbe combined or skipped. In some embodiments, the cradle can be similaror identical to cradle 3100 (FIGS. 31-34).

Referring to FIG. 52, method 5200 can include a block 5201 of providinga base. In a number of embodiments, the base can be similar or identicalto bottom frame 3110 (FIG. 31).

In many embodiments, method 5200 can include a block 5202 of providingan alignment base. In several embodiments, the alignment base can besimilar or identical to alignment base, such as alignment base 212 (FIG.2) or alignment base 312 (FIG. 3), alignment base 835 (FIGS. 8-9,13-14), alignment base 1632 (FIGS. 16-19), alignment base 2035 (FIG. 20)and/or alignment base 3112 (FIG. 31). In various embodiments, thealignment base can be configured to engage with an alignment mechanismof an overlay applicator. The overlay applicator can be similar oridentical to overlay applicator 100 (FIG. 1), overlay applicator 400(FIGS. 4-5), overlay applicator 600 (FIG. 6), and/or overlay applicator3000 (FIG. 30). In a number of embodiments, the alignment mechanism canbe similar or identical to alignment mechanism 115 (FIG. 1), alignmentmechanism 415 (FIGS. 4-5), alignment mechanism 615 (FIG. 6), and/oralignment mechanism 2915 (FIGS. 29-30).

In some embodiments, method 5200 can include a block 5203 of providingone or more frame pieces. In several embodiments, the one or more framepieces can include two corner frames located at a first end of the baseproximate to the alignment base. The corner frames can be similar oridentical to corner frames 3130 (FIG. 31). In many embodiments, the oneor more frame pieces can include an end frame located at a second end ofthe base opposite the first end. The end frame can be similar oridentical to end frame 3140 (FIG. 31). In several embodiments, the oneor more frame pieces can include two side frames located at each side ofthe base between the first end and the second end. The side frames canbe similar or identical to side frames 3120 (FIG. 31).

In some embodiments, the frame pieces can be configured to securely holdan electronic device in a device slot in a fixed position with respectto the alignment base. The device slot can be similar or identical todevice slot 3111 (FIG. 31) In various embodiments, the base, thealignment base, and the one or more frame pieces can be configured tohold the overlay applicator between the base and a screen of theelectronic device when the screen of the electronic device is facingtoward the base. In a number of embodiments, the base, the alignmentbase, and the one or more frame pieces can be configured to facilitateapplying an overlay of the overlay applicator to the screen of theelectronic device. The overlay can be similar or identical to overlay130 (FIG. 1), overlay 430 (FIGS. 4-5), overlay 630 (FIG. 6), overlay 730(FIG. 7), overlay 1530 (FIG. 15), and/or overlay 2930 (FIGS. 29-30). Inmany embodiments, the one or more frame pieces can be configured toalign the overlay applicator as the overlay of the overlay applicator isapplied to the screen of the electronic device.

In several embodiments, the one or more frame pieces can include a pulltab slot configured to allow a pull tab of the overlay applicator toextend beyond the device slot. The pull tab slot can be similar oridentical to end slot 3141 (FIG. 31). The pull tab can be similar oridentical to pull tab 150 (FIG. 1), pull tab 450 (FIGS. 4-5), pull tab650 (FIG. 6), and/or pull tab 2750 (FIGS. 27-30). For example, the pulltab can extend beyond the device slot as shown in FIGS. 32-33.

In a number of embodiments, the base can include a support pieceextending in a first direction. The support piece can be similar oridentical to central support 3150 (FIG. 31). In some embodiments, thesupport piece can be configured to press an adhesive side of the overlayof the overlay applicator toward the screen of the electronic devicewhen the screen of the electronic device is facing toward the supportpiece and the pull tab of the overlay applicator is pulled in the firstdirection to remove an adhesive release liner of the overlay applicatorand expose the adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of theelectronic device. In a number of embodiments, the support piece caninclude an elastomeric material. In various embodiments, the supportpiece can be configured to press the adhesive side of the overlayagainst the screen of the electronic device when the adhesive releaseliner of the overlay applicator is removed to expose the adhesive sideof the overlay. In various embodiments, the support piece can beconfigured to press a wiper of the pull tab toward the screen of theelectronic device as the wiper moves across the screen of the electronicdevice in the first direction. The wiper can be similar or identical towiper 157 (FIG. 1), wiper 457 (FIG. 4), wiper 657 (FIG. 6), wiper 757(FIG. 7), and/or wiper 2857 (FIGS. 28-30).

Proceeding to the next drawing, FIG. 53 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of a method 5300 of providing a machine. Method 5300 ismerely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.Method 5300 can be employed in many different embodiments or examplesnot specifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, theprocedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 5300 can beperformed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the procedures,the processes, and/or the activities of the method 5300 can be performedin any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more ofthe procedures, the processes, and/or the activities in method 5300 canbe combined or skipped. In some embodiments, the machine can be similaror identical to machine 3500 (FIGS. 35-36).

Referring to FIG. 53, method 5300 can include a block 5301 of providinga base. In a number of embodiments, the base can be similar or identicalto base 3510 (FIGS. 35-36). In several embodiments, the base can includea first end. The first end can be similar or identical to first end 3511(FIGS. 35-36). In many embodiments, the base can include a second end.The second end can be similar or identical to second end 3512 (FIGS.35-36). In some embodiments, the base can include an alignment base. Thealignment base can be similar or identical to alignment base 3514 (FIGS.35-36). In many embodiments, the alignment base can be configured toengage with an alignment mechanism of an overlay applicator. Thealignment mechanism can be similar or identical to alignment mechanism3557. The overlay applicator can be similar or identical to overlayapplicator 3550 (FIGS. 35-36).

In a number of embodiments, the overlay applicator can include a firstalignment tab and a second alignment tab. The first and second alignmenttabs can be similar or identical to alignment tabs 3556 (FIGS. 35-36).In several embodiments, the first alignment tab can include a firstportion of the alignment mechanism, and the second alignment tabcomprising a second portion of the alignment mechanism. In manyembodiments, the alignment base can include a first side proximate thefirst end of the base. In a number of embodiments, the first side can beconfigured to engage with the first portion of the alignment mechanismof the overlay applicator. In many embodiments, a second side proximatethe second end of the base, the second side can be configured to engagewith the second portion of the alignment mechanism of the overlayapplicator.

In a number of embodiments, the base can include a pull slot. The pullslot can be similar or identical to pull slot 3515 (FIGS. 35-36). Insome embodiments, the pull slot can be located between the cradle andthe second side of the alignment base.

In many embodiments, method 5300 can include a block 5302 of providing acradle. The cradle can be similar or identical to cradle 3520 (FIGS.35-36). In several embodiments, the cradle can be located between thefirst side of the alignment base and the second side of the alignmentbase. In some embodiments, the cradle can be configured to securely holdan electronic device. In various embodiments, the cradle can be integralwith the base. In many embodiments, the cradle can be removably coupledto the base.

In some embodiments, method 5300 can include a block 5303 of providing aslider configured to move between the first and second ends of the base.The slider can be similar or identical to slider 3530 (FIGS. 35-36). Ina number of embodiments, the slider can include a bar. The bar can besimilar or identical to pressure bar 3535 (FIGS. 35-36). In manyembodiments, the bar can be configured to press an overlay of theoverlay applicator toward a screen of the electronic device when theslider is moved between the first and second ends of the base. Theoverlay can be similar or identical to overlay 130 (FIG. 1), overlay 430(FIGS. 4-5), overlay 630 (FIG. 6), overlay 730 (FIG. 7), overlay 1530(FIG. 15), and/or overlay 2930 (FIGS. 29-30). In several embodiments,the bar can be spring-loaded to press downward toward the base. In anumber of embodiments, the base can include one or more tracksconfigured to engage with the slider and allow the slider to movebetween the first and second ends of the base. The tracks can be similaror identical to track 3513 (FIGS. 35-36).

In several embodiments, the base can include one or more first cams atthe first end of the base and one or more second cams at the second endof the base. In first and second cams can be similar or identical tocams 3516. In many embodiments, the one or more first cams can beconfigured to prevent the bar from contacting the first side of thealignment base when the slider is moved between the first and secondends of the base. the one or more second cams can be configured toprevent the bar from contacting the second side of the alignment basewhen the slider is moved between the first end and second ends of thebase.

In many embodiments, the machine can be configured such that when thealignment base is engaged with the alignment mechanism of the overlayapplicator and the cradle is holding the electronic device, a pull tabof the overlay applicator can be pulled through the pull slot to removean adhesive release liner of the overlay applicator and expose anadhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic device. Thepull tab be similar or identical to pull tab 3555 (FIG. 35). In variousembodiments, the machine can be further configured such that when theadhesive release liner of the overlay applicator is removed to exposethe adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic deviceand the slider is moved between the first and second ends of the base,the bar can be configured to press the adhesive side of the overlayagainst the screen of the electronic device.

Proceeding to the next drawing, FIG. 54 illustrates a flow chart for anembodiment of a method 5400 of providing a machine. Method 5400 ismerely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.Method 5400 can be employed in many different embodiments or examplesnot specifically depicted or described herein. In some embodiments, theprocedures, the processes, and/or the activities of method 5400 can beperformed in the order presented. In other embodiments, the procedures,the processes, and/or the activities of the method 5400 can be performedin any other suitable order. In still other embodiments, one or more ofthe procedures, the processes, and/or the activities in method 5400 canbe combined or skipped. In some embodiments, the machine can be similaror identical to machine 3700 (FIGS. 37, 41-45) and/or machine 4600(FIGS. 46-50).

Referring to FIG. 54, method 5400 can include a block 5401 of providinga base. In a number of embodiments, the base can be similar or identicalto base 4110 (FIG. 41) and/or base 4610 (FIG. 46).

In many embodiments, method 5400 can include a block 5402 of providing acradle configured to securely hold an electronic device. The cradle canbe similar or identical to cradle 3710 (FIGS. 37-38) and/or cradle 4630(FIGS. 46-50). The electronic device can be similar or identical todevice 3720 (FIG. 37) and/or device 4800 (FIG. 48). in severalembodiments, the cradle can include an alignment base configured toengage with an alignment mechanism of an overlay applicator. Thealignment base can be similar or identical to alignment base 3814 (FIG.38) and/or alignment base 4734. The alignment mechanism can be similaror identical to alignment mechanism 715 (FIGS. 7, 48). In severalembodiments, the alignment base can include six protrusions configuredto engage with an alignment frame of the overlay applicator. In someembodiments, the cradle can be integral with the base. In manyembodiments, the base can include a cradle support configured toremovably hold the cradle. The cradle support can be similar oridentical to cradle support cradle support 4120 (FIG. 41) and/or cradlesupport 4620 (FIG. 46).

In some embodiments, method 5400 can include a block 5403 of providingan arm. The arm can be similar or identical to arm 4150 (FIG. 41) and/orarm 4650 (FIG. 46). In several embodiments, the arm can include anexpandable bladder. The expandable bladder can be similar or identicalto expandable bladder 4151 (FIG. 41) and/or expandable bladder 4651(FIG. 46). In a number of embodiments, the arm can include a pumpingmechanism configured to inflate the expandable bladder. The pumpingmechanism can be similar or identical to pumping mechanism 4152 (FIG.41) and/or pumping mechanism 4652 (FIG. 46). In some embodiments, thearm can include a handle. The handle can be similar or identical tohandle 4154 (FIG. 41) and/or handle 4654 (FIG. 46). In variousembodiments, the arm can be configured to be hingedly rotated between anopen configuration and a closed configuration. The open configurationcan be similar or identical to the configuration shown in FIGS. 41-43and 45 for machine 4100, and/or the configuration shown in FIGS. 47-48and 50 for machine 4600. The closed configuration can be similar oridentical to the configuration shown in FIG. 44 for machine 4100 and/orthe configuration shown in FIGS. 46 and 49 for machine 4600. In someembodiments, the pumping mechanism can include a button configured tocontrol inflation of the expandable bladder. The button can be similaror identical to start/stop button 4153 (FIG. 41, 44-45) and/orstart/stop button 4653 (FIG. 46, 49). In various embodiments, the armcan be hingedly attached to the base, such as in shown in FIGS. 46-50for machine 4600. In a number of embodiments, method 5400 can includethe providing a stand attached to the base and hingedly attached to thearm. The stand can be similar or identical to stand 4130 (FIG. 41).

In various embodiments, the machine can be configured such that when thearm is in the closed configuration and the expandable bladder isinflated, the expandable bladder can press an overlay of the overlayapplicator toward a screen of the electronic device to adhere anadhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronic device. Theoverlay can be similar or identical to overlay 730 (FIGS. 7, 45, 50). Insome embodiments, the machine can be further configured such that when(a) the arm is in the closed configuration, (b) a pull tab of theoverlay applicator is pulled to remove an adhesive release liner andexpose the adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronicdevice, and (c) the expandable bladder is inflated, the expandablebladder can be configured to press the adhesive side of the overlayagainst the screen of the electronic device. The pull tab can be similaror identical to pull tab 750 (FIGS. 7, 42, 44-45, 48-49).

In some embodiments, method 5400 can include providing a cradle frameconfigured to engage with the cradle and secure the overlay applicatorto the cradle. The cradle frame can be similar or identical to cradleframe 3730 (FIGS. 37, 39-40). In a number of embodiments, the cradleframe can include a bottom plate. The bottom plate can be similar oridentical to bottom plate 3912 (FIGS. 39-40). In many embodiments, thebottom plate can include a crease configured to press downward on theoverlay applicator to adhere the adhesive side of the overlay to thescreen of the electronic device. The crease can be similar or identicalto crease 3913 (FIGS. 39-40). In several embodiments, the cradle framecan include a recess. The recess can be similar or identical to recess3916 (FIG. 39). In various embodiments, the expandable bladder can beconfigured to be positioned within the recess of the cradle frame whenthe arm is in the closed configuration. In several embodiments, thecradle frame can include alignment holes configured to engage withalignment base. The alignment holes can be similar or identical toalignment holes 3911 (FIGS. 39-40).

Although the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scopeof the invention. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of theinvention is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the inventionand is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of theinvention shall be limited only to the extent required by the appendedclaims. For example, to one of ordinary skill in the art, it will bereadily apparent that various elements of FIGS. 1-54 may be modified,combined, and/or interchanged, and that the foregoing discussion ofcertain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a completedescription of all possible embodiments. As another example, one or moreof the procedures, processes, or activities of FIGS. 23-26 and 51-54 mayinclude different procedures, processes, and/or activities and beperformed in many different orders.

All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to theembodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacementof one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and notrepair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions toproblems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. Thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elementsthat may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or becomemore pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required,or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unlesssuch benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are expressly statedin such claim.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicatedto the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/orlimitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are orare potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations inthe claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing an overlay applicator, themethod comprising: providing an adhesive release liner comprising a topside and a bottom side; providing a pull tab comprising a top side and abottom side; attaching a wiper to the top side of the pull tab;providing an overlay layer comprising a top side and a bottom side, thebottom side comprising an adhesive agent configured to adhere to ascreen of an electronic device; attaching the bottom side of the overlaylayer to the top side of the adhesive release liner; providing aprotective film layer comprising a top side and a bottom side; attachingthe bottom side of the protective film layer to the top side of theoverlay layer; cutting the protective film layer and the overlay layerto create an interface slit between an alignment tab and a deviceportion, and to create a tail slit between a tail portion and the deviceportion; and attaching a sticker to the top side of the protective film,wherein the sticker spans the interface slit between the device portionand the alignment tab, wherein: the device portion of the overlay layeris configured to adhere to a screen of an electronic device; and thedevice portion has dimensions approximately the same as dimensions ofthe screen of the electronic device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein:the sticker comprises a non-stretching material.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein: the alignment tab is configured to engage with an alignmentbase to align the overlay with the screen of the electronic device. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein: the adhesive release liner is integralwith the pull tab.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:adhering the adhesive release liner to the pull tab.
 6. A cradlecomprising: a base; an alignment base configured to engage with analignment mechanism of an overlay applicator; and one or more framepieces configured to securely hold an electronic device in a device slotin a fixed position with respect to the alignment base; wherein: thebase, the alignment base, and the one or more frame pieces areconfigured to: hold the overlay applicator between the base and a screenof the electronic device when the screen of the electronic device isfacing toward the base; and facilitate applying an overlay of theoverlay applicator to the screen of the electronic device.
 7. The cradleof claim 6, wherein: the one or more frame pieces are configured toalign the overlay applicator as the overlay of the overlay applicator isapplied to the screen of the electronic device.
 8. The cradle of claim6, wherein: the one or more frame pieces comprise: two corner frameslocated at a first end of the base proximate to the alignment base; anend frame located at a second end of the base opposite the first end;and two side frames located at each side of the base between the firstend and the second end.
 9. The cradle of claim 6, wherein: the one ormore frame pieces comprise a pull tab slot configured to allow a pulltab of the overlay applicator to extend beyond the device slot.
 10. Thecradle of claim 6, wherein: the base comprises a support piece extendingin a first direction; and the support piece is configured to press anadhesive side of the overlay of the overlay applicator toward the screenof the electronic device when the screen of the electronic device isfacing toward the support piece and a pull tab of the overlay applicatoris pulled in the first direction to remove an adhesive release liner ofthe overlay applicator and expose the adhesive side of the overlay tothe screen of the electronic device.
 11. The cradle of claim 10,wherein: the support piece comprises an elastomeric material.
 12. Thecradle of claim 10, wherein: the support piece is configured to pressthe adhesive side of the overlay against the screen of the electronicdevice when the adhesive release liner of the overlay applicator isremoved to expose the adhesive side of the overlay.
 13. The cradle ofclaim 10, wherein: the support piece is configured to press a wiper ofthe pull tab toward the screen of the electronic device as the wipermoves across the screen of the electronic device in the first direction.14. A method of providing a cradle, the method comprising: providing abase; providing an alignment base configured to engage with an alignmentmechanism of an overlay applicator; and providing one or more framepieces configured to securely hold an electronic device in a device slotin a fixed position with respect to the alignment base; wherein: thebase, the alignment base, and the one or more frame pieces areconfigured to: hold the overlay applicator between the base and a screenof the electronic device when the screen of the electronic device isfacing toward the base; and facilitate applying an overlay of theoverlay applicator to the screen of the electronic device.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein: the one or more frame pieces are configuredto align the overlay applicator as the overlay of the overlay applicatoris applied to the screen of the electronic device.
 16. The method ofclaim 14, wherein: the one or more frame pieces comprise: two cornerframes located at a first end of the base proximate to the alignmentbase; an end frame located at a second end of the base opposite thefirst end; and two side frames located at each side of the base betweenthe first end and the second end.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein:the one or more frame pieces comprise a pull tab slot configured toallow a pull tab of the overlay applicator to extend beyond the deviceslot.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein: the base comprises a supportpiece extending in a first direction; the support piece is configured topress an adhesive side of the overlay of the overlay applicator towardthe screen of the electronic device when the screen of the electronicdevice is facing toward the support piece and a pull tab of the overlayapplicator is pulled in the first direction to remove an adhesiverelease liner of the overlay applicator and expose the adhesive side ofthe overlay to the screen of the electronic device.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein: the support piece comprises an elastomeric material.20. The method of claim 18, wherein: the support piece is configured topress the adhesive side of the overlay against the screen of theelectronic device when the adhesive release liner of the overlayapplicator is removed to expose the adhesive side of the overlay. 21.The method of claim 18, wherein: the support piece is configured topress a wiper of the pull tab toward the screen of the electronic deviceas the wiper moves across the screen of the electronic device in thefirst direction.
 22. A machine comprising: a base comprising: a firstend; a second end; an alignment base configured to engage with analignment mechanism of an overlay applicator, the overlay applicatorcomprising a first alignment tab and a second alignment tab, the firstalignment tab comprising a first portion of the alignment mechanism, andthe second alignment tab comprising a second portion of the alignmentmechanism, the alignment base comprising: a first side proximate thefirst end of the base, the first side being configured to engage withthe first portion of the alignment mechanism of the overlay applicator;and a second side proximate the second end of the base, the second sidebeing configured to engage with the second portion of the alignmentmechanism of the overlay applicator; and a pull slot; a cradle locatedbetween the first side of the alignment base and the second side of thealignment base, wherein the cradle is configured to securely hold anelectronic device; and a slider configured to move between the first andsecond ends of the base, the slider comprising a bar, wherein: the baris configured to press an overlay of the overlay applicator toward ascreen of the electronic device when the slider is moved between thefirst and second ends of the base.
 23. The machine of claim 22, wherein:the pull slot is located between the cradle and the second side of thealignment base.
 24. The machine of claim 22, wherein: the basecomprises: one or more first cams at the first end of the base; and oneor more second cams at the second end of the base; the one or more firstcams are configured to prevent the bar from contacting the first side ofthe alignment base when the slider is moved between the first and secondends of the base; and the one or more second cams are configured toprevent the bar from contacting the second side of the alignment basewhen the slider is moved between the first end and second ends of thebase.
 25. The machine of claim 22, wherein: the bar is spring-loaded topress downward toward the base.
 26. The machine of claim 22, wherein:the base comprises one or more tracks configured to engage with theslider and allow the slider to move between the first and second ends ofthe base.
 27. The machine of claim 22, wherein: the machine isconfigured such that when the alignment base is engaged with thealignment mechanism of the overlay applicator and the cradle is holdingthe electronic device, a pull tab of the overlay applicator can bepulled through the pull slot to remove an adhesive release liner of theoverlay applicator and expose an adhesive side of the overlay to thescreen of the electronic device.
 28. The machine of claim 27, wherein:the machine is further configured such that when the adhesive releaseliner of the overlay applicator is removed to expose the adhesive sideof the overlay to the screen of the electronic device and the slider ismoved between the first and second ends of the base, the bar isconfigured to press the adhesive side of the overlay against the screenof the electronic device.
 29. The machine of claim 22, wherein: thecradle is integral with the base.
 30. The machine of claim 22, wherein:the cradle is removably coupled to the base.
 31. A method of providing amachine comprising: providing a base comprising: a first end; a secondend; an alignment base configured to engage with an alignment mechanismof an overlay applicator, the overlay applicator comprising a firstalignment tab and a second alignment tab, the first alignment tabcomprising a first portion of the alignment mechanism, and the secondalignment tab comprising a second portion of the alignment mechanism,the alignment base comprising: a first side proximate the first end ofthe base, the first side being configured to engage with the firstportion of the alignment mechanism of the overlay applicator; and asecond side proximate the second end of the base, the second side beingconfigured to engage with the second portion of the alignment mechanismof the overlay applicator; and a pull slot; providing a cradle locatedbetween the first side of the alignment base and the second side of thealignment base, wherein the cradle is configured to securely hold anelectronic device; and providing a slider configured to move between thefirst and second ends of the base, the slider comprising a bar, wherein:the bar is configured to press an overlay of the overlay applicatortoward a screen of the electronic device when the slider is movedbetween the first and second ends of the base.
 32. The method of claim31, wherein: the pull slot is located between the cradle and the secondside of the alignment base.
 33. The method of claim 31, wherein: thebase comprises: one or more first cams at the first end of the base; andone or more second cams at the second end of the base; the one or morefirst cams are configured to prevent the bar from contacting the firstside of the alignment base when the slider is moved between the firstand second ends of the base; and the one or more second cams areconfigured to prevent the bar from contacting the second side of thealignment base when the slider is moved between the first end and secondends of the base.
 34. The method of claim 31, wherein: the bar isspring-loaded to press downward toward the base.
 35. The method of claim31, wherein: the base comprises one or more tracks configured to engagewith the slider and allow the slider to move between the first andsecond ends of the base.
 36. The method of claim 31, wherein: themachine is configured such that when the alignment base is engaged withthe alignment mechanism of the overlay applicator and the cradle isholding the electronic device, a pull tab of the overlay applicator canbe pulled through the pull slot to remove an adhesive release liner ofthe overlay applicator and expose an adhesive side of the overlay to thescreen of the electronic device.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein:the machine is further configured such that when the adhesive releaseliner of the overlay applicator is removed to expose the adhesive sideof the overlay to the screen of the electronic device and the slider ismoved between the first and second ends of the base, the bar isconfigured to press the adhesive side of the overlay against the screenof the electronic device.
 38. The method of claim 31, wherein: thecradle is integral with the base.
 39. The method of claim 31, wherein:the cradle is removably coupled to the base.
 40. A machine comprising: abase; a cradle configured to securely hold an electronic device, thecradle comprising an alignment base configured to engage with analignment mechanism of an overlay applicator; and an arm comprising: anexpandable bladder; and a pumping mechanism configured to inflate theexpandable bladder; wherein: the arm is configured to be hingedlyrotated between an open configuration and a closed configuration; andthe machine is configured such that when the arm is in the closedconfiguration and the expandable bladder is inflated, the expandablebladder presses an overlay of the overlay applicator toward a screen ofthe electronic device to adhere an adhesive side of the overlay to thescreen of the electronic device.
 41. The machine of claim 40, wherein:the alignment base comprises six protrusions configured to engage withan alignment frame of the overlay applicator.
 42. The machine of claim40, wherein: the arm comprises a handle.
 43. The machine of claim 40,wherein: the machine is further configured such that when (a) the arm isin the closed configuration, (b) a pull tab of the overlay applicator ispulled to remove an adhesive release liner and expose the adhesive sideof the overlay to the screen of the electronic device, and (c) theexpandable bladder is inflated, the expandable bladder is configured topress the adhesive side of the overlay against the screen of theelectronic device.
 44. The machine of claim 40, wherein: the pumpingmechanism comprises a button configured to control inflation of theexpandable bladder.
 45. The machine of claim 40, wherein: the cradle isintegral with the base.
 46. The machine of claim 40, wherein: the basecomprises a cradle support configured to removably hold the cradle. 47.The machine of claim 40, wherein: the arm is hingedly attached to thebase.
 48. The machine of claim 40, further comprising: a stand attachedto the base and hingedly attached to the arm.
 49. The machine of claim40, further comprising: a cradle frame configured to engage with thecradle and secure the overlay applicator to the cradle.
 50. The machineof claim 49, wherein: the cradle frame comprises a bottom platecomprising a crease configured to press downward on the overlayapplicator to adhere the adhesive side of the overlay to the screen ofthe electronic device.
 51. The machine of claim 49, wherein: the cradleframe comprises a recess; and the expandable bladder is configured to bepositioned within the recess of the cradle frame when the arm is in theclosed configuration.
 52. The machine of claim 49, wherein: the cradleframe comprises alignment holes configured to engage with the alignmentbase.
 53. A method of providing a machine, the method comprising:providing a base; providing a cradle configured to securely hold anelectronic device, the cradle comprising an alignment base configured toengage with an alignment mechanism of an overlay applicator; providingan arm comprising: an expandable bladder; and a pumping mechanismconfigured to inflate the expandable bladder; wherein: the arm isconfigured to be hingedly rotated between an open configuration and aclosed configuration; the machine is configured such that when the armis in the closed configuration and the expandable bladder is inflated,the expandable bladder presses an overlay of the overlay applicatortoward a screen of the electronic device to adhere an adhesive side ofthe overlay to the screen of the electronic device.
 54. The method ofclaim 53, wherein: the alignment base comprises six protrusionsconfigured to engage with an alignment frame of the overlay applicator.55. The method of claim 53, wherein: the arm comprises a handle.
 56. Themethod of claim 53, wherein: the machine is further configured such thatwhen (a) the arm is in the closed configuration, (b) a pull tab of theoverlay applicator is pulled to remove an adhesive release liner andexpose the adhesive side of the overlay to the screen of the electronicdevice, and (c) the expandable bladder is inflated, the expandablebladder is configured to press the adhesive side of the overlay againstthe screen of the electronic device.
 57. The method of claim 53,wherein: the pumping mechanism comprises a button configured to controlinflation of the expandable bladder.
 58. The method of claim 53,wherein: the cradle is integral with the base.
 59. The method of claim53, wherein: the base comprises a cradle support configured to removablyhold the cradle.
 60. The method of claim 53, wherein: the arm ishingedly attached to the base.
 61. The method of claim 53, furthercomprising: providing a stand attached to the base and hingedly attachedto the arm.
 62. The method of claim 53, further comprising: providing acradle frame configured to engage with the cradle and secure the overlayapplicator to the cradle.
 63. The method of claim 62, wherein: thecradle frame comprises a bottom plate comprising a crease configured topress downward on the overlay applicator to adhere the adhesive side ofthe overlay to the screen of the electronic device.
 64. The method ofclaim 62, wherein: the cradle frame comprises a recess; and theexpandable bladder is configured to be positioned within the recess ofthe cradle frame when the arm is in the closed configuration.
 65. Themethod of claim 62, wherein: the cradle frame comprises alignment holesconfigured to engage with the alignment base.